Christchurch’s Central City has received another promising boost as the Otakaro Orchard project reached its crowd-funding target goal. The JV have played a part in the project team providing design and project management advice. The JV will also have a major role in the construction of the edible park undertaking site works and the installation of drainage, irrigation and electrics.

The park will feature a heritage orchard, herb and vegetable beds showcasing growing techniques, spaces for educational workshops and an amphitheatre for public gatherings and events. On-site will also be a café and local food information and education centre. The project is being driven by the Food Resilience Network, a collaboration of 30 organisations who have banded together to grow a strong local food economy. The site will also be home to the Canterbury Horticultural Society.

Otakaro Limited granted the collective lease of the site on Cambridge Terrace which is situation next to the former PGC site. (An area the JV had a hand in restoring). The Food Resiliency Network hopes to have an initial community planting day in June.

In the meantime, the Food Resilience Network and the Canterbury Horticultural Society will set up temporary lodgings together during the construction phase of the orchard. They will be joining us as neighbours at our Project Management Office site on Lichfield Street. We look forward to working with both groups to plan and construct another legacy for the people of Christchurch…as well as enjoy some social collaboration, mainly on Friday afternoons.

To keep up to date with the progress of the Otakaro Orchard, please visit their Facebook page