Centre of attention: Living in the Christchurch central city

There’s been a sea change in the central city – not just the buildings popping up and the gravel carparks disappearing. The feel of the place is changing, and we think it’s got something to do with the switch of gear in the residential scene. We’re seeing SOLD signs all over the show, and an attitude to the people who live in the four avenues, that they’re proud central citizens. Cityscape’s taking a close look at central Christchurch living, the tropes, the developments, the people and what (we hope) is to come.

Central citizens

Cityscape sticks its tongue in its cheek with a satirical take on some of the personalities who live between the four avenues, from the Hospo Hero who hangs out in Welles Street and communicates exclusively vie WhatsApp and Insta stories, to the Empty Nesters who sold up their drafty villa to live that Botanic Garden life.

Futurescape

What does the Christchurch CBD look like in the future? We're consulting our crystal balls and making some predictions, covering everything from the neighbourhoods of the central city to the nightlife and the people that inhabit it. We're talking skybridges, future-tech art, community gardens, and an exciting new currency (no, it's not Dogecoin).

Read Cityscape's wild predictions here

The Kiwi acre (or 15,000 acres)

Kiwis value their back yards, and central city inhabitants have one of the best – massive lawn, wicket water feature, curated gardens, and you don't need to do any of the weeding or pruning yourself.

What the real people have to say

But what do the real people think? Cityscape gets the word on the street from people currently living in the central city. Read more from locals about inner-city life:

Architectural technician and dedicated walker Gwyn Guanzon – "The convenience of just walking to the city centre is priceless. Theatres, cinemas, shopping and restaurants are just around the corner."

Retiree and volunteer Max Lucas – "The more people, the more vibrancy."

Administrator and inner-city restaurant lover Roz Paddy – "With a new start, Christchurch has become a warm welcoming city that has a diverse range of people and has the most updated infrastructure in the country, and it’s a place most want to come and visit, live in and enjoy."

Business development manager Simone Rewa Pearson – "There’s a growing economy with interesting jobs across many sectors, sense of space, close proximity to nature and outdoor recreation."

Ecology and community living enthusiast Peter Wells – "Being able to walk or cycle to Tūranga, the Arts Centre, or Smash Palace changes the way you engage with the city and brings more serendipity to life."

Teacher and apartment advocate Dale Deavoll – "Apartment living is very misunderstood. You share some things but you have the same level of privacy as you do in the suburbs. I'd even say people are actually more considerate when you share a wall or a stairwell."

A market view

Let's find out what's happening on the building front. Cityscape gets the low-down from some of the big names behind the central city's residential developments. Read more about where you'll soon be able to live in the CBD:

Mike Greer – Executive director, Mike Greer Homes – "The city has moved so far, so quickly with some lovely commercial architecture – now it’s time for some residential."

Russell Pyne – Branch manager, Fletcher Living Canterbury – "There has been a real cross-section of peopling moving in. Everyone from university students through young professionals, retail and hospitality workers, people in middle to senior management roles along with those who are slowing a little and perhaps working more part time, while others are in the early stages of experiencing retirement living."

Aaron Pero – Sales, Harcourts/The Spire – "Cut the commute and live above the city in luxury."

Gordon MacLeod – Group chief executive, Ryman Healthcare – "A haven with intergenerational living in a beautiful built environment. The city’s well on the way to this."

Four ave-news

In terms of developments, there's a lot coming up to be excited about in the central city. Anchor projects are progressing quickly, and central city icons like the Canterbury Museum are going to be getting a whole new lease on life.

Read about the projects to watch here