Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions about Prestons:

What types of houses are proposed?
A diverse range of house types are proposed and provided for under the zone provisions, within the mixed use, high, medium and low density areas. The large majority of the residential area will be medium density residential (Density B & C), with section sizes ranging from 450m² to 650m².

When will the first houses be finished and ready for sale?
T hat is unknown as we are still going through the consenting process with CCC. Ideally, we would like to think that the first house would be finished within the next three-four years.

What is affordable housing?
Affordable housing generally means housing that is affordable to people on an average/median income. With regards to the Prestons site, this means that a wide variety of housing types are proposed, from units, to a range of densities, thus catering for a wider demographic.

How much traffic will there be and where will it go?
A detailed traffic assessment, including extensive modelling, has been undertaken by qualified traffic engineers to ascertain impacts on the surrounding road in terms of a ‘worst case’ scenario. The traffic generated by the proposed development has been calculated on the basis of the traffic generated by each household and the commercial area.
The modelling and assessment found that the additional traffic resulting from the proposed development is greatest immediately adjacent to the development on Marshland Road, Prestons Road and Burwood Road. However, it should be noted that road and intersection upgrades are proposed in these locations to ensure that any impact on the local network are mitigated.
Given that the site has its own commercial precinct, a lot of the anticipated traffic will be within the site. In addition, the combination of the extensive walking and cycling network, and the proposed public transport network connecting the site to the City Centre and surrounding areas, are considered to reduce overall vehicle use.

What public transport will be available and when?
It is proposed to establish a bus route through the site, providing a public transport link between the city centre, the Prestons village centre and residential areas. Consultation is ongoing with Environment Canterbury regarding potential public transport options. Environment Canterbury advises that the suburban services are provided with at least an hourly service and typically a service every 30 minutes.

How will the infrastructure like sewage and storm-water be dealt with?
The developer will establish an extensive system of swales and basins within the site to accommodate stormwater run-off. These will be naturalised and form a key environmental asset for the local community. Wastewater will be connected to the existing CCC infrastructure network. The cost of establishing this system will be met by the developer.  

What are the sustainable features being incorporated into the development?
In terms of the principals behind the development:
To ensure the creation of a successful and sustainable community, economic, social and environmental sustainability initiatives have been incorporated through all facets of the development, for example transport, stormwater and strong urban design principles. All of these initiatives have been built into the Master Plan in order to build a strong vibrant community, capable of maintaining a year round, self sustaining economy, whilst enhancing the natural environment.

What schools are proposed?
A single primary school that would cater for up to 700 pupils is proposed.

What shops will there be on the site?
A wide variety of commercial facilities, including both retailing and servicing, are provided for within the proposed zoning. Large footprint retail will be restricted to a supermarket only. All other retail facilities will be small footprint designed to meet the needs of the surrounding community, similar to any other of Christchurch’s suburban centres. The actual shops proposed will depend on who purchases the land.

What community facilities will there be?
Within the Prestons Village Precinct, it is proposed to allow for a wide range of community facilities, including a medical centre, wellness centre, preschool, gym, crèche, and a potential library. In addition, significant recreation facilities associated with the Linear Park and Marshlands Domain, and a school is proposed adjacent to the Village Precinct.

Council have initially indicated that they do not want to provide any Council community facilities in the plan change area. Notwithstanding this, ongoing negotiations with CCC will be held should Council's position change regarding their assessment of the demand for community facilities.

In the meantime, many of the above facilities will be privately provided, for example the medical and wellness centres, preschool, gym, crèche etc to cater for the needs to the proposed community.

Will the proposed development increase stormwater runoff?
The developer will establish an extensive system of swales and basins within the site to accommodate stormwater run-off. These will be naturalised and form a key environmental asset for the local community.  Extensive modelling has been undertaken to ensure that sufficient stormwater attenuation is provided on-site to achieve the goal of peak discharge neutrality is provided i.e. at peak flows the volume of stormwater can be accommodated within the site.

What is the process?
Register your interest and wait until we have consent.

How will I be kept informed?
Keep checking the website for updates or register your interest.