Urban development
Explore Ōtautahi Christchurch city's latest developments driving lively communities, exciting places, and thriving businesses. Discover how ChristchurchNZ supports our city's economic prosperity.
urban development
Creating great places and lively communities
Urban development is all about creating great places and making good stuff happen. We know lively communities, exciting places and thriving businesses make great cities, and that's why city development is an important part of ChristchurchNZ's mission to support our city’s economic prosperity.
Our urban development team
Our team works across places, projects and partnerships to support Christchurch’s sustainable economic growth. We help bring life to special places, champion good community developments, and build partnerships that get projects moving.
Who are we
We're a small, multi-disciplinary team of professionals with experience in property development, urban development, placemaking, planning, commercial transactions and community engagement. We work at arms-length from Council, which allows us to respond swiftly to market opportunities and help make projects happen.
But we don’t work alone – Christchurch City Council and other local authorities, iwi, communities, private investors, businesses and government agencies are all partners.
How we work
Our city development work generally falls into one of two categories:
- Place-led development – where we identify an area or neighbourhood we can shape to create great outcomes. This might include purchasing properties to guide development, encouraging private investment, supporting community projects or making connections between all three. We also support local events and activities to help bring the spaces alive.
- Projects and partnerships – a more targeted approach in strategic locations where we identify opportunities and work alongside private developers and/or the public sector to acquire land that can be used to create great outcomes for the city.
Our urban development projects
New Brighton regeneration
There’s a real sense of momentum building in New Brighton. New public projects and private investment are helping spark fresh energy and growth.
New Brighton: A community on the rise
New Brighton has a unique identity and a community that takes pride in their place.
From the popular He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools and the upcoming Pierside Development to refreshed streetscapes and local business support, these projects are aligning with its existing identity to be part of what is already there.
It’s a great example of what can happen when we work together – public, private and community – to help grow a place people are proud to call home.
Private investment
Private investment is a cornerstone of New Brighton’s regeneration, with public initiatives serving as catalysts for private developers to invest in the area.
Martini Investments is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, with projects such as the Southpaw Brewery, Pavilion, Surfside Mall, and the former Wave Bar site. These developments not only enhance the local economy but also contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the community.
Community partnerships
At the heart of New Brighton's revitalisation is its community. Local businesses and groups are encouraged to take ownership and drive initiatives that benefit the area.
Notable examples include the Village Green, which will serve as a hub for community events and gatherings, and the Driftwood Council of Brighton, a collective of local residents working together to promote community participation and New Brighton’s unique identity.
Community & business engagement
The Better for Brighton group exemplifies the power of collaboration between the public sector, private investors and the community.
This initiative fosters dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that developments align with each other and the needs and desires of the community. ChristchurchNZ is also helping TIDE, a newly emerging business association, with their work connecting local businesses and advocating for the area.
Land development management
New Brighton is experiencing growth through the strategic use of public land to introduce more residents to its vibrant core.
ChristchurchNZ has played a crucial role in assembling land and partnering with selected developers to create housing that enhances liveability.
Beresford Street/Te Pākau Maru - Kainga Maha
A thoughtful transformation is taking place on Beresford Street, where three previously empty sites are being turned into warm, sustainable, and affordable homes.
With 63 new houses planned, residents will be just a short stroll from shops, cafes and key transport links. Part of the development also sees Kainga Maha working with the Ministry of Pacific People to help Pasifika families into homes.
Seaview development - Modus Group
Right in the heart of New Brighton, the Seaview Development is a people-focused housing project that’s bringing new life and energy to the area. The early stages are complete, and work is underway on what will be a vibrant community.
Roy Stokes Hall
A beloved local hub, Roy Stokes Hall has a bright future ahead. Stewardship has been handed to Youth Alive Trust – a group that’s been part of the New Brighton community since 1989. Their appointment through a local Expressions of Interest process means this important space will continue to be run by locals, for locals.
New Brighton public projects
Working alongside Christchurch City Council, we’re delivering public projects that make New Brighton a more connected, vibrant, and welcoming place. Key infrastructure upgrades – like the Oram Avenue extension and the Marine Parade streetscape – are improving movement and accessibility while setting the stage for future growth.
Much-loved community assets like He Puna Taimoana hot pools and the Beachside Playground are drawing thousands of locals and visitors, offering spaces to relax, play, and connect. Smart poles, public realm upgrades, and streetscape improvements on key routes like Beresford and Seaview are adding both function and flair – helping shape a modern seaside village that locals are proud to call home.
Development management
Part of our urban development mahi involves taking a hands-on role in shaping key sites across Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Through development management, we work directly with partners to unlock the full potential of strategic land, guiding projects from vision to reality while keeping long-term city outcomes at the heart of every decision.
Sydenham Yard (former City Care depot)
Sydenham Yard is a great example of what happens when we take a different approach to development.
Instead of selling the former depot site to the highest bidder, ChristchurchNZ is working alongside developers, investors and public agencies to deliver something much more valuable – a benchmark project that brings together sustainable housing, a cutting-edge research facility, and upgraded infrastructure to support future growth.
Peterborough Quarter
One of our first development projects, Peterborough Quarter, is now coming to life.
Set on the site of the old Convention Centre, this central city block is being shaped through a masterplan and a shared commitment to design quality and sustainability. It’s set to become a vibrant mix of housing, visitor accommodation and office space – right in the heart of the city.
Global street art destination
Christchurch: A City Shaped by Street Art
Street art is woven into the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Born out of post-quake creativity and a spirit of reclamation, it’s helped shape who we are – turning blank walls into stories, and everyday spaces into places that surprise and inspire.
Today, we’re proud to be recognised as a global street art destination – a city that celebrates its artists, welcomes collaboration, and invites the world to see what we’re all about.
Led by passionate local champions, we’re working with artists, educators, event organisers and advocates to grow this creative movement. From walking tours and festivals, to bold new murals and thought-provoking exhibitions, it’s all about giving artists a platform and connecting people through art.
We’re proud to support groups like Watch This Space, who are constantly growing and sharing the street art offering across Ōtautahi. And with fresh initiatives like Flare, we’re pushing creative boundaries, refreshing our streets, and striving to be the world’s number one street art destination – while staying true to our roots.
In the news
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