Christchurch Civic Trust
Partnering with PACE
(Professional and Community Engagement)
Internship Programme
Project: Identification of Potential Sites, of varying capacity, within the Christchurch City Council District, for NEW Christchurch Entertainment Venue(s) as alternative(s) to Hagley Park
Demand for Outdoor Event Sites for Public Events – Current and Anticipated
…increasing demand for outdoor event space in the city…the city is experiencing high demand for event space, with current outdoor event sites proving extremely popular. “We are receiving requests from event organisers and promoters to hold amazing events in our city, and we are struggling to provide enough space…for Christchurch residents who want access to more events…“Hagley Park is at capacity… Christchurch City Council (see links below)
Student, Poppy Selby-Page, is set to commence her internship with The Christchurch Civic Trust in the University of Canterbury PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) program involving 70 hours starting from 14/07/2025. Completion is to be achieved before the 17/10/2025. The Civic Trust’s team of advisors are Chris Kissling, Anne Dingwall, and Lynette Hardie Wills.
Poppy will explore space(s) suitable for holding large scale public events with a view to relieving pressure on Hagley Park. The designated zone in North Hagley Park is too confined to accommodate very large crowds. These events are profitable. Christchurch wishes to accommodate them.
There are many factors to consider. Transport access and vehicle parking is critical. Noise containment and light spill have to be considered. Whether or not sound-shells should be permanent and therefore available at short notice, how crowd control is implemented, what might be the economic return to the city and how is that calculated? How to ensure the venue is left in good condition following any event?
There are many sources for information and experience from past events to call upon. Poppy will hone her interviewing skills and learn to distinguish between facts and fancy in the process.
Report by Chris Kisslin