A landscape-led design for ecological regeneration, community connection, and resilient open space.

The Lake Kate Sheppard sector sits within the eastern reaches of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, on land formerly occupied by the Kate Sheppard Retirement Village. Damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes, the site has since transitioned into an ecologically significant area with high potential for wetland restoration.

Under the ŌARC Regeneration Plan’s 'Greenprint' vision, the natural environment is the defining feature of the corridor, and the Lake Kate Sheppard project reflects this, with a focus on preserving and enhancing native wetland habitats. Recreation plays a supporting role, and key community assets such as Bower Park are set for major upgrades.

Client

Christchurch City Council

Location

Canterbury

Project team

Gabe Ross
Laura Pyne
Alexandra Rooney
Ella Wood
Christine Hetherington
Jaz Morris
Tanya Blakely
Scott Hooson
Kate Hornblow

Worked with

Jacobs

Project date

2024 - 2025

Boffa Miskell led the development of two future-focused design options that prioritise ecological restoration while thoughtfully integrating recreational use, including the upgrade of Bower Park’s playground and sports fields. Design development included input from landscape architects, planners, ecologists, and engineers, and extended to the upgrade of Bower Park’s playground and sports fields.

The proposed design responds to the site’s natural wetness and progressive reversion to wetland. The western zone is identified for ecological protection and enhancement, featuring regenerating wetlands, denser planting, and flood-prone landscape design. The drier eastern zone retains its open space character and supports on-going community and sporting use.

A central north–south pathway links these two zones, creating a meaningful transition from parkland into immersive wetland. This path connects directly to the upgraded Bower Park facilities and allows users to walk alongside restored wetland margins, blending ecology and recreation in a cohesive and resilient landscape.

Early site investigations and analysis informed a collaborative design process that moved from hand sketches to a detailed Revit model, enabling clear visualisation of the evolving masterplan. The resulting design balances long-term ecological health with community access, setting the stage for future regeneration within the wider ŌARC.

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