31 May 2000 Vision for Lincoln strong on 'village' character

The importance of maintaining the ‘village’ character of Lincoln and enhancing the Liffey as a ‘key feature’ of the township are strong messages which have come through in community consultations conducted by the project team for Lincoln – A Vision For Our Future.

The team, led by consulting landscape architect Anne Steven of Christchurch, comprises representatives of Lincoln University's Environmental Management and Design Division.

"The 'visioning' process is timely for the people of Lincoln township," says Anne, "as it will help them in their response to the proposed Selwyn District Plan to be released later this year.

"Draft 'visions' will be prepared and presented back to the community for endorsement before an agreed final 'vision' is presented to Selwyn District Council's Lincoln Advisory Committee later this year."

Common themes to emerge from the public consultation to date include –

THE LIFFEY

Seen as a valuable asset and key feature of Lincoln.

Needs care and enhancement by a keen group of people.

Could be extended north and south with provision of walkways, extra crossings and more play areas.

Should have balance of native and exotic plant species.

'VILLAGE' CHARACTER

Important to maintain and enhance 'village' character.

Semi-rural feel, small compact form, 'greenness and openness', 'green belt' and historic buildings contribute to 'village' character.

Section size and housing style also impact on 'village' character therefore need to be in keeping with it.

Maintain relaxed, friendly, quiet atmosphere.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Heavy traffic bypass.

Slow traffic and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Look to servicing of future subdivisions.

Provision of adequate parking.

Better public transport services.

WALKWAYS, CYCLEWAYS, etc.

Develop a 'green' link between village, Crown Research Institutes and Lincoln University.

Greater provision of safe and attractive routes for walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboards, etc.

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Foster greater community spirit, with all members contributing and benefiting.

Foster strong 'partnership' between university and village, e.g. joint projects, town and gown events.

Self-help and self-determination, get people involved.

Embrace 'multi-culturalism'.

Be a welcoming community to newcomers.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

Adequate provision of community care, and recreational, educational and entertainment facilities.

Particular emphasis on elderly and early childhood sectors, e.g. playgrounds.

Provide for growth of schools.

Provide for dogs.

IDENTITY

Lincoln should be a unique and distinctive place, not a part of Christchurch but a destination in its own right.

Relationship with Lincoln University and village character help create uniqueness and give identity.

Distinctive approaches to the town desired.

Distinctive colour scheme.

Economic independence desired, not dormitory suburb status.

PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE

The protection and enhancement of the cultural and natural heritage of Lincoln, 'heritage trail' idea.

STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT

Improvement in appearance and functioning of streets, e.g. tree planting, sealing, footpaths on both sides, provision of safe cycling routes, no wires overhead.

MARKET SQUARE & SHOPPING AREA

Town focus, needs upgrading and smartening to realise potential.

Better parking provision, public toilets, traffic control.

Provision for expansion to North? South? West?

THE DOMAIN

Town asset but needs redevelopment and expansion to provide for multi­-use and resolve parking and access.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Aim for zero-waste, have a functioning recycling programme.

Composting programme, dog waste control.

Clean air, water conservation, community care for resources.

A full record of the public workshops held earlier this year is available for viewing at the Lincoln Library, Gerald Street. Comments can also be made on forms available there.

The above points will be explored in a series of ‘theme-based’ workshops starting in June, however Anne says that further consultation is still needed with community groups, who were not well represented in the initial visioning workshops held earlier in the year, to ensure that the full complement of themes has been identified.

As part of the consultation process, a stream-side meeting took place on 11 April at Millstream Reserve at which local residents, the Project Team, members of the Lincoln Community Committee, and representatives of Landcare Research, Selwyn District Council, Christchurch City Council, and the Department of Conservation discussed the reserve's landscape enhancement and ecological restoration possibilities.

Following this public meeting, residents of Millstream Drive participated in an evening design session with Project Team members on 19 April. From this the basis of a broad concept plan emerged for the reserve which will be used for discussion in a workshop on the Liffey Stream corridor.

Team members say they are grateful to all those who have given their time and energy to the consultation process so far and they say they still welcome comments or suggestions as the process is one of ongoing consultation.

Anne Steven can be contacted on 355-6189 (email: anne@etive.southern.co.nz), or you can telephone any of the following team members at Lincoln University: Jacky Bowring, Chris Kissling, Maria Ignatieva, Roy Montgomery and Stefanie Rixecker.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand