By Dave Goosselink
A Government blueprint on the future shape of Christchurch is set to be released tomorrow, kick-starting the city's rebuild.
The 100-day plan will reveal the location of the new central city, along with anchor projects like a new convention centre and sports stadium.
Despite its name, the blueprint to recreate Christchurch's central city is something residents and businesses have been anticipating for much longer than 100 days.
Peter Townsend, Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce chief executive says the plan is highly anticipated.
“The community's hanging out for this. And I think they're expecting or have high expectations of a brand new Christchurch. We're recreating the downtown area of Christchurch, and I think people are looking forward to it.”
He believes it will give some certainty to the business community and kick start investment in the new CBD.
Announcing the location and design of anchor projects like a new convention centre is expected to spur on hotel developments, office blocks, and restaurants, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says.
“There are numerous investors both in this city, outside the city, and internationally who are looking at the prospects of being able to rebuild what will be the centre for a population of about 560,000.”
It's understood the plan incorporates many of the ideas from the 106,000 public submissions, in building a modern and vibrant city.
But some residents are worried the focus on recreating the CBD will come at the expense of those in the suburbs, with a protest planned to coincide with tomorrow's announcement.
TC3 residents spokeswoman Kiri Hider says people are not sure if the plans are addressing the most important issues.
“It's not anti-CBD, it's not anti-recovery. But we're asking people to really think about the priorities. Is a stadium with a covered roof a priority when we've got people who have rats coming in through their houses?”
With the Government investing heavily in the new Christchurch, Gerry Brownlee is keen to see some quick action.
He's confident the public will see the blueprint as an exciting step in the recovery of the country's second largest city.
3 News