The winning design will be built on a site on the corner of Madras and Gloucester streets. As an exemplar of quality sustainable inner city design, it could re-launch Christchurch's Central City as one of the most desirable living places in New Zealand - inspiring prospective residents and developers to be part of the new city.

Successful designs will be

• Viable – developments must be economically feasible and contribute to the economic vitality of the local area and region
• Affordable – affordable for average Christchurch residents to rent or own as well as to operate and maintain (i.e. ‘whole of life’ costs)
• Liveable – meeting current and future Christchurch and ‘Kiwi’ lifestyle needs, and fostering strong community connections through a balance of private and public spaces that also enhance the surrounding neighbourhood
• Sustainable – resource-efficient and potentially self-sufficient (e.g. energy, water and waste minimisation), supporting biodiversity, and promoting education/outreach and wider city regeneration opportunities
• Adaptable and resilient – promoting excellence in earthquake-resilient, healthy, safe design that is adaptable for current and future needs and resilient for generations to come
• Place making – the form and function of the development is well connected to, and enhances, the local context and provides a strong identity and sense of place
• Innovation – utilising the best of available ideas to deliver exceptional 21st century inner city living.

Forming teams

Teams will need to incorporate a range of professionals with the experience and skills needed to not only create an inspiring idea but see it through to completion.
Teams also need a developer on board for Stage 1 and at least one of the team members must be based in Canterbury, New Zealand for Stage 2.

Competition stages

This is a two stage competition:
Stage 1: concept design, 15 October – 15 January 2013
Stage 2: developed design and financial competition, March – May 2013.