Cityscape gets the low-down from the big names behind the central city’s residential developments.

Can you tell us about your residential developments in the central city? Fletcher Living has a number of developments either completed, underway or planned, all of which are components of our overarching project known as One Central. This incorporates some 14 individual land parcels within seven city blocks running between Lichfield Street in the south and Kilmore Street to the north, and framed by Manchester and Madras streets. Overall, we expect to provide housing options for upwards of 2000 residents across potentially 900 dwellings.

What are the nearby attractions that make One Central a cool place to be? With Rauora Park serving as the spine of the development, we love the open space and the park’s new art installations including the 16-metre high VAKA ‘A HINA and the sections of the Berlin Wall. Along with our temporary placemaking installations like the pump-track, basketball court, and mini golf, these have helped One Central become a vibrant, welcoming community in the heart of Christchurch.

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Are you optimistic about this market? We are very optimistic about the central city and have been encouraged by the takeup of 250 dwellings so far. This number includes the three developments which have been completed – Latimer Terraces, Liverpool Terraces, and Bedford Apartments and Terraces. It also includes sales from the 2 developments currently under construction – Worcester Terraces and 212 Cashel. This has encouraged us to start work on two further developments within the next few months, adding another 101 units to the One Central offering.

What kinds of people are you seeing move into these new homes? To date 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. Those who have purchased from us to date have been a mix of owner-occupiers and investors.

What is the central city’s greatest asset? Perhaps in one word, ‘proximity’. There is so much amenity in such close proximity to One Central that people are loving the opportunity to walk to work, eat out, get to the gym in a couple of minutes, catch a show or meet friends for drinks and a meal. Others are looking to the opening of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and the building of the newly announced home for the Court Theatre opposite the library in Gloucester Street. When you add the Town Hall, the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre and the Multi-Use Arena there is just about everything you need or want only moments away.

What’s your vision for what the city will become? For us it’s more about what our customers see for the central city. They are indicating a place with a great vibe where your neighbours and others from neighbouring developments get a sense of community, and embrace the fact that visitors and residents get to enjoy everything the city has to offer, while remaining a safe and inclusive place to reside and call their own.

What’s your favourite central city neighbourhood and why? Well obviously we consider One Central to be large enough to be a neighbourhood in itself. Within its bounds we have the Margret Mahy Playground and Rauora Park which are key focus points for this neighbourhood and give it an extra community feel.

fletcherliving.co.nz