In 2020, we asked residents what they thought of our reserves.

We received a range of feedback which help us develop this plan. Feedback highlighted the need for a public toilet, improved pathways, footbridges across Paparua Stream and resurfacing of the basketball half court. We also received many requests to plant trees in all three reserves.

Since then we have also received multiple requests from residents which are being addressed in this plan.

There are multiple elements to our proposed development plan and we have secured funding from different areas. If the elements are approved, the proposed changes will happen in a staged approach, as funding becomes available.

Indicative timelines are below:

Tree planting. Tree planting across the reserves, including the native forest patch and along the stream will take place in a staged approach, over 3-5 years. The first planting may take place between April - September 2027.

Toilet block. Planned to be built in 2030.

Pathways and footbridges. Planned to be built by 2029. (Note: the proposed path from Little Oaks Drive to Buchanan's Road within Broomfield Common is currently unfunded, funding will need to be secured before this section can be built)

Basketball court. Planned to be resurfaced in 2029.

Council has an Urban Forest Plan which aims to increase tree canopy across Ōtautahi Christchurch. We especially want to improve tree coverage in the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton area since it has relatively low coverage in comparison to the rest of the city. Planting trees in these reserves will provide multiple benefits, including, increased shade as our summers get hotter, filtering the air we breath and they will help absorb more stormwater.

Broomfield Common has been chosen as a potential native forest patch in the Native Forest Patch Network. The Native Forest Patch network aims to support viable populations of native bush birds and other wildlife, enhancing ecosystem connectivity, and provide accessible natural areas inline with the city's Biodiversity Strategy.

Paparua stream runs along the western border of Broomfield Common. It is an important natural asset because it helps to manage stormwater and provides a habitat for wildlife. As part of the tree planting in Broomfield Common, we'll include riparian planting along the stream to slow water flow, increase filtration, stabilise the stream's banks and improve habitat diversity.