Woolston South: A Brownfield Retrofit - Qiao Deng

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Woolston South is a suburb located to the south-east of Christchurch city, approximately 3 kilometers from the central business district. It has developed along Ferry Road and lower Heathcot River- Woolston Loop, serves as a residential, commercial and light industrial area. Its position on the railway line to Lyttelton also has raised its importance. After the earthquakes , some of the industrial factories has been damaged as well as the community infrastructure, such as community library. With the change of the Tannery transformed from an industrial factory to a popular retail centre, it has started to positively affects the surrounding land, communities, and neighborhoods. The Ferry Road Master Plan (stage one), planned by Christchurch City Council, also gives a clear indication of the future development in Woolston Town Center. Therefore, with these range of opportunities in between the town centre and the Tannery, the Woolston South would retrofits the brownfields and flourish along side with Christchurch.

Vision: This project is focused on retrofitting the brownfield into a mixed use land, facilitating this transition in a 20-year long term planning, and celebrating the industrial history of Woolston South. The proposal includes regenerate and enhancement a healthy place where people can live and work together, as well as providing habitat for wildlife.

Goals: 

• To retrofit the brownfield and provide affordable housing, social infrastructure and recreation space for population growth. This would encourage community activities and strengthen community spirit. The site will be a viable employment area with existing industrial jobs and proposed office, workshops and educational opportunities.
• To provide water management strategies for flooding issues and storm water runoff, such as constructed wetland and water infiltration system.
• To regenerate natural environment, enhance ecological values and creates interaction opportunities along Woolston Loop.