What is happening with Cathedral Square and its redevelopment? Nothing. Surprised by that? Don’t be. Government and local agencies act as cancer in the process of getting anything done.

Today, the Christchurch City Council is going to pretend to get on with by nominating two council members to join a steering group that will guide the development of the regeneration strategy.

What does that mean? Who would know. More fake representation on a board of people who don’t really like making tough decisions, with any sense of urgency.

This grotesque bureaucratic bullshit needs to be called for what it is.

On the council agenda for today it says “the purpose of this report is for the council to agree to work with Regenerate Christchurch to develop a regeneration strategy to catalyse redevelopment of Cathedral Square and the surrounding area, broadly the area between Hereford, Cambridge, Manchester and Kilmore Streets. Strategy development will include identification and delivery of immediate actions to encourage momentum within the area.” Why are they talking about this now? And what have they been doing?

Why is there the need to discuss who should sit on this steering group? Isn’t it obvious? Christchurch’s central city now has its own councillor, whose campaign slogan was “Let’s get it done.” Just appoint Deon Swiggs, if you need to, and let him and others get on with it.

So what has Regenerate Christchurch been doing?

In December, the agency released a proposed process for regeneration planning. That’s right - they created a plan for a plan.

In October, they appointed three managers, a general manager for residential red zone, an urban designer and planner, and a general manager for strategy and regeneration planning and engagement specialist.

Back then, the organisation said it wanted to have about 25 people working for it. That seems about right, but surely - no more.

There is some progress when it comes to anchor projects near the square. Despite the massive cost blowout, the library is underway and there are plans to get private enterprise to help fund it.

I do find it strange though, that despite the handful of managers at the council, no one had the expertise to deal with this. So they employed external consultants to do this work for them. How much did that cost the council?

I feel sorry for some of our Christchurch developers. They’re the true heroes when it comes to meaningful change in our central city. 

You can understand why they’re getting extremely frustrated at the ongoing and unacceptable delays. They were hoping for clarity last year so they could make plans for this year. They won’t touch the square until the fate of the cathedral is known.

Christchurch deserves action, not more managers, not more consultants or specialists or experts in gardening or planting.

We, the residents demand and deserve action. Stop the talk-fests and get the hell on with it.