Spatial Framework - Riccarton Area

A ‘Spatial Framework’ for Riccarton Road Proposed urban interventions and street enhancements for Central Riccarton area - April 2016

Table of contents Introduction

Area 1

1.0 Introduction & Issues

4.0 Retail Shopping & Street Scape

Amanda Mackay

4.1 Key Design Features

Elliot Beulink

Analysis

4.2 Cycle Path

Henry Dunford Baker

2.0 Site Context

4.3 Footpath Canopy

Julia Hamilton

2.1 Zoning Areas

4.4 Intersection

Jarred Walker

2.2 Infrastructure

4.5 Surfaces

Lyndsey Pepper

Stephanie Lee Terris

Objectives

Area 2

3.0 Projects Objectives

5.0 China Town 5.1 Key Design Features 5.2 Wider Context 5.3 Kinetic Canopy - 3D View 5.4 Entrance - 3D View

Contributors:

1.0 Introduction This report describes and illustrates a spatial framework for Riccarton Area. This framework sets out the urban design, public realm and architectural principles for the site. Our development approach specifically focuses on an identified stretch of Riccarton Road to Introduction

Issues

Even since the major 2011 Earthquakes Riccarton has been a stable meeting point for a lot of the Christchurch community.

Riccarton is close to the city centre, has a major shopping focus and provides the community with a range of eateries (no matter what time of the day). There is a higher percentage of cultural diversity within the Riccarton community when compared to the Christchurch City centre.

This enriches the potential for a wide range of experiences in Riccarton.

Riccarton is a very popular shopping destination in the Canterbury region.

The main draw card for visitors is Westfield Riccarton Mall which has a diverse range of shops.

The mall provides a safe and predictable environment that shoppers can rely on being there every time they visit.

The problem identified in Riccarton as a result of the malls popularity and proximity to the main shopping street, is that Riccarton road and surrounding streets have become a vehicle dominated area.

The congestion discourages pedestrian activity making the retail spaces less desirable to businesses.

2.0 Site Context Location images Depicting different spaces & key points around the site

2.1 Zoning Areas

2.2 Infrastructure

Artarial Routes Sub Artarial Routes Local Routes Public Green Space Educational Facilities

Walking Distances - 1:5000

3.0 Objectives Objective 1 Enhance identified area of Riccarton Road between Kauri Street and Clarence Street to: • Create an active shopping space/experience for pedestrians

• Clarence Street & Riccarton road intersection • Support Riccarton Road as a local cycle route • Improve access and safety for pedestrians

Identified Area

Street

2

Clarence

Division

Fix movement areas:

1 Street Rotheram

Road Riccarton

Street

Objective 2

Kauri Stre

• Strengthen the character, vibrancy and sense of place at Riccarton Centre

et

• Enhance access to amenities and create quality shopping attractions

4.0 Area 1 - Retail Shopping & Streetscape Kauri Street to Clarence Street Our goals Restore Riccarton road as a central shopping destination.

Create a better visitor experience.

Encourage active shoppers to come out of the mall.

Realign the hierarchy of the street .

Improve attractiveness and success of the area Help catalyze new urban development in the area.

Boost the viability of having a business in this area.

Allow visitors to stroll, shop and pause Creating a safer area by introducing more visibility.

Encourage use at all times.

Place-making by creating spaces that people value encourage a sense of pride of

Site Perspective

4.1 Retail Shopping & Landscape Key Design Features

Cycle path

Footpath canopy

Intersection

Realigning the balance of power between people on the move

Revamping the streetscape with a fresh look, to allow more light onto the pavement

Adjusting the hierarchy of space to be more inclusive of non-motor transport

4.2 Cycle Path Area 1

We have looked to reinstate a balanced hierarchy between the modes of transport.

A two way cycle lane that runs the length of Riccarton road was developed.

Location plan 1:2000

The aim of the change was to allow the cyclists safer passage through the space.

Key Road Pause areas Planting Footpath Cycle path

Intersection have been adapted to give the cyclists right of way.

A dual cycle lane provides a more sociable experience to encourage users.

As a result of this system car users will be more aware of the cyclists’ presence.

The cycle way wraps around the bus stop to allow ease of movement.

Pedestrians have been provided with pause sections between the lanes to make it easier for them to cross the road.

Site plan Scale 1:500

4.3 Footpath Canopy Area 1

Street canopy

The current condition of Riccarton road pedestrian zones feels in places closed-in and un-welcoming. The introduction of new canopies and signage to replace the existing boards aims to open up the feeling of the area and invite shoppers to use

max building height

3m

2m

3.3m

6.6m

2.4m

3.7m

Cross section Scale 1:100

The contemporary design will also provide a ‘revamp’ to the existing buildings, and create a cohesive aesthetic to the street, while still allowing the existing buildings to sit individually within their own space. The building height limit will be capped at 8m and owners will be encouraged to make use of the two stories available, this is to boost the use of the street throughout the day, with the idea of making the users feel safer when in the area.

Elevation Street canopy

4.4 Intersection Area 1

Incorporated a bus lane to encourage use of public transport.

Single lanes each way along Riccarton rd. have been designed to discourage use by private cars.

A cycle highway has been created to encourage use and provide safe travel paths This makes it easier for cyclists to get through the intersection safely.

Location plan 1:2000

Traffic signals have been utilized to give buses and bikes priority over private cars.

The main thoroughfare through Clarence Street to Straven Road has been maintained as existing to allow for the passage of heavy loads of traffic.

Key

GSEducationalVersion

Road Pause areas

A bus lane from Clarence Street heading north creates a faster link through bus routes to the university and airport.

Planting Footpath

Site intersection plan Scale 1:500

Cycle path

4.5 Surfaces Area 1

Planting native New Zealand Buchanan’s sedge - Carex buchananii - dense tufted plant, - 40 - 60 cm high - reddish- brown leaves

Köwhai - Sophora microphylla - height 6 - 9 m - small leaflets - richly coloured flowers

Encourage activity

Pedestrian foot paths

Community project Intersection mural - ‘place-making’ exercise - gives community something to collectivly take ownership of - community pride

Permeable paving Used to let water drain through pavement rather than across it Unilock Eco-Promenade™ - permeable - ‘plank’ paver - long linear look - capable of vehicular loads - Umbriano Finish

&7

6 Cycle-way

- brightens street scape - alerts pedestrians to change of zone - links into current local community initatives - encourages use

Example of permeable paving in action

7

Bus lane

- coloured road surface to hightlight change of priority to pedestrians

Waimeahas - Pittosporum tenuifolium - glossy jade green oval leaves - very dark maroon flowers - can grow to a height of.4m - can grow to a width of 2 m

Ready Lawn - Instant result to give the community a good looking complete result faster - excellent wear resistance - perfect for high activity areas - medium drought resistance

mural

Section key Scale 1:200

5.0 Area 2 - China Town Division Street Overview Along Riccarton Road between our located investigation area we have noticed that many of the buildings are primarily for retail and hospitality use. However Westfield Mall is the main attraction to provide shopping in this area. Even though there are many retail stores along Riccarton Road the quality of the experience whilst shopping along this busy road provides us with the opportunity to enhance this retail space.

Design Ideas China Town - Dumpling Baker Lane Create a dense retail and hospitality plug with smaller plug ins down Riccarton Road as a way finder Pedestrianise Street Create an experience leading towards an alternative main entry to Westfield Mall

5.1 Dumpling Baker Lane Key Design Features An urban intervention to enhance the atmosphere of the space and add to the China Town Experience.

Kinetic Light Canopy

Grand Entry

Landscaping

An urban intervention to enhance the atmosphere of the space and add to the China Town Experience.

The entry is a modern take on the traditional Chinese Entrance. Intent was to recreate an authentic style referencing traditional Chinese architecture.

Landscaping design has been developed to represent a conceptual chinese dragon.

As a person moves underneath the canopy it activates the lights above to illuminate the space.

This canopy makes people aware of and creates activity in this space. 1

The scale of the entry has been based on traditional chinese architecture proportions.

The gate creates a resting transitional zone between the dense and active spaces of Riccarton Road and Division Street.

Materials include hard and soft landscaping to contrast the harsh surrounding environment.

Landscaping Features: -Water gardens -Seating -Courtyard Area -Gateways

5.2 Wider Context Area 2 Proximity to surroundings Chinatown will be located in central Riccarton, on Division Street. The site has a close proximity to Riccarton road and will act as a transitional space between to Westfield and the main road.

150m 200m

300m

Walking Distances 1:5000

5.3 Division Street - Kinetic Canopy Area 2

5.4 Division Street - Entrance Area 2