Christchurch residents will have the opportunity later this year to provide feedback on a proposed new design for Cathedral Square.
The Mayor and councillors were briefed today by Council staff on the latest progress, including plans to commission a concept design for the central civic space.
Christchurch City Council General Manager of Strategy, Planning and Regulatory Services, John Higgins, says the refreshed concept design will be released for public consultation later this year.
“The current programme has largely focused on surface improvements such as upgrading roads and footpaths, along with paving and landscaping,” John says. “We now have an opportunity to build on the earlier design work by Regenerate Christchurch and further recognise Cathedral Square’s role as the city’s central civic space.”
Procurement for the concept design will follow a staged approach, with Expressions of Interest opening in early March.
“Once a design team is appointed, there will be opportunities for input from key stakeholders and the wider public,” he says. “This will help ensure the final design complements other activities and developments planned for the Square.”
John says previous community engagement has shown people want Cathedral Square to be an accessible and vibrant gathering place in the central city.
“For many residents, the Square has historically been a meeting place for people from across Christchurch. We want to acknowledge its role as the heart of the city, connecting new and existing facilities while creating a space that reflects that importance.”
Work on the project will be scheduled to align with the completion of surrounding developments.
John says previous engagement has shown people want Cathedral Square to be an accessible, vibrant place to gather in the central city, a space that reconnects people with the heart of Christchurch and reflects the community’s aspirations for how the city centre should work. Feedback gathered in earlier consultation phases, including the Share an Idea platform, highlighted desires for a pedestrian‑friendly, lively civic space that supports events, retail activity and everyday use.
The Square’s future is also tied closely to broader city‑centre regeneration ambitions. Upgrades to surrounding streets and public areas, such as re‑levelling paving, adding lighting and landscaping to soften the environment, are already underway as part of the Whiti‑reia Cathedral Square improvements programme, with further work on adjacent roads planned for later this year.
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