Read updates on our plan to support the revitalisation of Petrie Park
Measures of Success

The community will have a safe space, enhancing well-being and providing a place for social connection.

Progress to date/actions taken
  • The Board received a briefing in July 2023 from Richmond Community Garden / We Are Richmond as the group doing the mahi in partnership with the Council’s Parks team.
  • The Board highlighted to the Council meeting in September 2023 the presentation it received on community mahi toward the revitalisation of Petrie Park, noting the vision that the southern half of the park undergo a land use change from bowling green to a park that best serves the local community and biodiversity.
  • The Richmond Residents and Business Association has undertaken soil testing (finding high levels of arsenic, traces of DDT in the top soil and asbestos) engagement with the surrounding houses and local community, initial history and visual boards have been finished and displayed in the park, a transitional planting display was planted and a community day was held in November 2023 for people to come along see the planting, share some kia and give feedback on the Richmond Residents and Business Association landscape plan.
Measures of success

The revitalisation will support the goals of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Climate Resilience Strategy and the Ōtautahi-Christchurch Urban Forest Plan.

Progress to date / actions taken
  • The Board supported the Ōtautahi Christchurch Urban Forest Plan through its submission on the Plan.
  • The Strategy and Plan were shown to be supported by the vision of the community organisations undertaking the mahi in partnership with the Council’s Parks team.
  • The CCC Urban Forest Team have highlighted that Petrie Park is to be included in the next Urban Forest Planting Schedule and budget is secured. As a result of this, CCC Urban Forest will cover the cost of purchase, planting, and looking after the Trees for the first 7 years then maintenance will go into the wider council expenditure.
Measures of success

If required, any necessary land use changes are approved.

Progress to date / actions taken
  • The Board conducted a site visit to Petrie Park with the Council Parks Team as part of its bus trip in January 2023 to understand the issues and opportunities relevant to supporting the community fulfil its vision for the park, and also visited Richmond Community Garden at that time and met with the group relevant to the work being done across the area.
  • The Board received a further update on the mahi toward the revitalisation of Petrie Park from the Residents and Business Association Chair in September 2023.
  • CCC Urban Forest have engaged Boffa Miskell who will work on Landscape design at Petrie Park. Agreement has been reached that the Richmond Residents and Business Association current Landscape Architect will work together with Boffa Miskell to develop a combined plan that will be earmarked for public consultation in March 2024.
Measures of success

CPTED principles are applied to the project.

Progress to date / actions taken
  • Advocacy through presentation to Council at its June 2023 meeting including a slide highlighting the Board’s Community Policing, CPTED, CCTV & RTO Dialogues, specifically noting that after consulting with the community, the Board incorporated within its Board Plan the request that CPTED principles are considered for the revitalisation of Petrie Park.
  • Arrangement has been reached through the partnership developing the landscape plan for the project for it to also consider CPTED principles. In respect of funding for a CPTED Report on the Park (highlighted as a possible separate Better of Funding project) the Urban Forest team noted that it would be difficult to complete a CPTED Report as the trees would be small for a number of years and as part of the Landscape Design CPTED issues can be ameliorated by a number of factors, such as planting at least three metres away from fence lines allows mowing but also restricts areas to hide for offenders. Highlighted areas of bush or trees that present problems can be removed as part of the initial landscape plan for example the vegetation along pathway that now exists. Better Off funding has been secured for this work and removal of vegetation.
Measures of success

Petrie Park will be revitalised to mirror the community vision.

Progress to date / actions taken
  • The Board, in its submission on the Council’s Annual Plan 2023/24 advocated that priority be given within existing programmes to advancing projects reflecting the Board’s priorities where possible, including specifically revitalising Petrie Park.
  • The Board in February 2024 approved funding from its Better Off Fund for Petrie Park remediation, planting, and revitalisation.