South Sydenham considered as a Neighbourhood Centre

Neighbourhood Centres (30) -A destination for weekly and daily shopping needs as well as for community facilities. In some cases, Neighbourhood Centres offer a broader range of activities including comparison shopping, entertainment (cafes, restaurants and bars}, residential activities, small scale offices and other commercial activities. Anchored principally by a supermarket(s) and in some cases, has a second or different anchor store. Serves the immediately surrounding suburbs and in some cases, residents and visitors from a wider area. Medium density housing is contemplated in and around the centre. Accessible by a range of transport, including one or more bus services.

  • CONSTRAINTS:

    1. Overlooking an existing carpark to the North
    2. Commerical core planning zone: will need justification for

    RESIDENTIAL:
    3. Potential contaminated Land under external yard.
    4. Existing buidling to be removed.

    OPPORTUNITIES:
    1. Visibility of corner shop front, up to +14m
    2. Visibility of existing car parc from the main street
    3. Existing lush green space
    4. Existing sound building?
    5. Existing car park
    6. Christchurch District plan calls this site front as a ‘Key Pedestrian Frontage’
    7. Shade of the potential new building onto the Road at the south

    MITIGATION:
    • Turn the development inwards and rise up or get some distance to the north with private gardens.
    • Get buy-in from ANZ/BNZ for pre-approval on concept design / could be an argument with Council as it is currently residential.
    • Avoid touching the ground as much as possible.
    • Potential for keeping the building and repurping it.
    • Medium rise with mixed use
    • Option for keeping it for ground floor commercial
    • Create garden / playground/ central pedestrian space.
    • Reuse and transform
    • Potentially reuse
    • Location for commercial with street front
    • Potential for higher rise.

  • Recommended Approach:

    A mixed-use development that includes residential units, retail spaces, and light industrial units could be particularly beneficial. This approach would cater to the diverse needs of the Sydenham community, providing housing, shopping, and job opportunities in one integrated space. Additionally, incorporating a community centre or cultural hub within the development could further enhance its appeal and utility.

    By focusing on these aspects, the redevelopment can contribute to the overall goals of the Sydenham Master Plan, supporting the community’s recovery and growth while providing a profitable and sustainable use for the site owners.