The next period of future Christchurch is exciting, the ideas and concepts of the rebuild and the level of community participation in this process is pleasing to see.
The appointment of Roger Sutton to lead Cera (Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority) is an inspired choice, his personality and action displayed during the restoration of electrical supply services was outstanding.
Whichever way the city evolves in relation to a rebuilt CBD, the future growth trend will be towards the west. Our Ray White – McPherson Group offices are positioned geographically to service this trend.
Initially all the vacant business and retail sites were quickly occupied in the Riccarton – Hornby area, now we are seeing many of the weaker businesses in these areas being replaced by stronger ones relocating from the CBD.
Obviously these relocations are more than a short term solution. How the northern and western commercial areas evolve over the medium/long term is interesting as this will impact further on the residential development west.
Our latest Residentail Sales stats clearly show that sales activity in Selwyn is close to levels of 2007, the trade area of Ray White Rolleston. The north and west, Ray White Metro’s and Ray White Hornby’s trade areas, have recovered to 80% of the pre quake levels and compared with current National sales volumes, excluding Auckland, is not far off the mark.
Tony McPherson