On 28 March 2025, Property Council submitted on Christchurch City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2025/26.
Why this matters to our members
Property Council advocates for the creation of a well-designed, functional and sustainable built environment. We are concerned about the cumulative costs and fees being imposed on businesses, as well as the significant traffic management issues in the City Centre, as this impacts Christchurch’s appeal as an attractive destination for investment.
Our view
At a high level, we recommended that Christchurch City Council:
- Review and reduce the operational expenditure (currently sitting $17.5m higher than forecasted in the Long Term Plan);
- Seek advice on the cumulative impact of rates and fees for the commercial sector;
- Investigate alternative funding mechanisms;
- Investigate a Regional Deal with Central Government;
- Remove the vacant site differential in areas where council beautification of sites has been completed, and develop a plan to remove the vacant site differential over a period of time;
- Provide Property Council with a report under the Official Information Act on what the vacant site differential has funded in Christchurch since its adoption; and
- Undertake a full and thorough consultation with the community on any proposed street changes.