Red Zone Regeneration

Regenerate Christchurch’s Red Zone Futures exhibition is worth a visit.  We were glad to be there on a weekday when there were few people around.  At the entrance is a display of letterboxes from destroyed homes.  I’m pleased that these have been kept, and hope they’ll eventually have a permanent display.

Letter boxes

There are many ideas to consider, and helpful staff to discuss them with.  I was disappointed that there are almost no details about what might happen in the Avon Loop.  We are just a tiny corner in one of the maps.

Avon Loop plan

There will eventually be a pathway on the south side of the river (as we were promised some time ago).  The orange spot is a possible landing place, and the yellow a possible community space.  Of course funding will always be an issue.

The highlight of the exhibition (for me anyway) is the opportunity to row a kayak in virtual reality.  You can sit in a real kayak to do this, or sit on a chair, as I did.

Ruth paddling a virtual kayak

You can see birds flying overhead, eels in the clean river, and someone walking across a bridge.  I managed to paddle myself into a sandbank, but enjoyed the experience.  Stephen was able to watch my journey on the computer screen above.

My virtual reality is on the screen

I understand this is very popular on weekends with people queuing up, so a midweek visit might be best.

“Whenever this red future comes
someone will have to fund the sums.”