2017 - New Brighton Markets - Kate Jordan

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New Brighton has a rich culture and eclectic community, surrounded by a unique landscape that provides for a wide range of recreation. However, since its golden days as the Saturday shopping destination in Christchurch, it has struggled to thrive economically and socially. It is exposed to a strong cold prevailing wind from the East which deters visitors and the retail centre is no longer the destination it once was. As a visitor, the scarcity of people and successful retail is very evident, so this project is directed by social and economic drivers.

The New Brighton Markets will reinvigorate New Brighton with visitors, while increased housing density areas will provide a viable option for first home buyers and boost the population of New Brighton. To draw more visitors from the city centre and other suburbs, a light rail system is proposed. This also benefits local residents who will have access to a efficient public transport system.

By increasing the housing density and creating the market sheds area, the project has a large area of impervious surfaces. This would put pressure on the Avon River which already floods low-lying areas in New Brighton during a storm event. Impending sea level rise and larger storm events must also be taken into account. The New Brighton Markets project manages excess run off from the project itself, widens the banks of the Avon, and celebrates the course that water takes from sky to sea as it passes through the project area.