The search is on for landscape designers to lead the first of the anchor projects in the central Christchurch rebuild.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) is calling for expressions of interest on the Avon River precinct - a series of parks along the central-city banks of the river.

Cera's Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) will manage the process.

CCDU director Warwick Isaacs said a shortlist would be drawn up once expressions were received and candidates invited to submit detailed proposals.

''At this stage we are just telling people to let us know they are keen to be part of the process. We want to be able to choose from a list of experienced, appropriate consultants.''

Designs should attract people back to the central city, incorporate Victoria Square as the heart and reflect residents' desire for green, inviting spaces, Isaacs said.

''There has been plenty of discussion about what the city and the frame could look like, and the Christchurch City Council's extremely successful Share An Idea project delivered a clear vision to work towards,'' he said.

''This is now the time for those with the requisite experience to put their hands up and let us know they want to be involved in making that vision a reality.''

Proposals would have to address the need for fast-tracking work and using multiple contractors, he said, and the values of Ngai Tahu would also need to be reflected.

The design project will begin next month, with construction scheduled to begin this summer. The project will need to be delivered in stages by 2014.

The CCDU identified the Avon River precinct as a priority project when it released the central-city blueprint in July.

One side of the river would have an urban feel, with paving and seating areas, and the other would feature bars and cafes.

Some stretches of the river would have to be widened.

 

- © Fairfax NZ News

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