Modern Christchurch Planned

Plans for a new-look downtown Christchurch have been unveiled, with a convention centre, sports stadium and performing arts complex among the big projects. The blueprint for the city replaces office towers with green spaces, urban apartments and innovation “hubs” they say will give the city the feel of a college campus. Under the plan, the city will be smaller, the buildings lower in height and constructed to higher earthquake standards. “It will be safe, modern, green and will leave a legacy that makes Christchurch one of the best places in the world to live and work for many generations to come,” Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said.