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<\/p>\nFor Mark Aldridge and his partner Nick Dawson, leaving their Canterbury lifestyle block marked a deliberate shift, trading space for a more connected city lifestyle. <\/p>\n
\u201cI said, I don\u2019t want to go suburban; if we\u2019re going to move, I want to go right into the city,\u201d Aldridge said. <\/p>\n
They are now based in an apartment in One Central, with work, caf\u00e9s and entertainment all within easy reach. <\/p>\n
One Central, Fletcher Living\u2019s central Christchurch development, is nearing completion. More than 400 homes are now occupied bringing life back into the CBD. The mix of apartments, terraced homes and standalone houses has drawn a wide range of buyers. <\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2019ve got a five-minute walk to work, coffee right on my doorstep, and I can walk to theatres and get involved in the community,\u201d said Aldridge. \u201cThat was really important to us, coming from a rural area where community is a big part of life.\u201d <\/p>\n
For Aldridge and Dawson, finding the right apartment was key. While they were happy to downsize, they didn\u2019t want to feel cramped, especially with two dogs. That led them to choose a two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout that felt spacious, something Aldridge said was a rarity in the city: \u201cEvery square metre of the floor plan is utilised.\u201d <\/p>\n
Downsizing has also brought a simpler way of living. \u201cThe freedom of it has been enormous, being able to enjoy things without being tied to everything we owned,\u201d said Aldridge. <\/p>\n
Even the car now plays a smaller role, sitting mostly unused in its car park, visible from their balcony, (looking) \u201cmagnificent in the sunshine.\u201d <\/p>\n
Another couple seeing the appeal of city living are Hank and Jill van Keulen, from Rangiora. <\/p>\n
They have purchased two apartments at One Central, using one for regular city stays and planning to rent out the second as a long-term investment. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe saw it as a great opportunity to be in the central city,\u201d Hank said. \u201cSome people have a bach in Marlborough Sounds. We have a bach in central Christchurch.\u201d <\/p>\n
With significant development under way across Christchurch, the couple, who are slowly moving into retirement, said they carefully considered their options and felt Fletcher Living met their expectations for build quality. They also had added reassurance, with one of their sons having worked on the development. <\/p>\n
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Its location opposite Margaret Mahy Playground has made it easier to spend time with family, offering a natural place to meet in the city. <\/p>\n
They\u2019ve also made the most of the city\u2019s restaurants, events and nightlife. \u201cWe\u2019ve got tickets to Robbie Williams,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we could probably just sit outside the apartment and listen to the whole concert.\u201d <\/p>\n
In partnership with Crown Infrastructure Delivery (formerly Rau Paenga), Fletcher Living\u2019s One Central development is a key part of Christchurch\u2019s wider regeneration of the former East Frame \u2014 an 11\u2011block neighbourhood designed to bring people back into the heart of the city.<\/p>\n
For those who lived through that period (the earthquakes) as Aldridge did, there was a time when the city\u2019s future felt uncertain. Now, it feels alive again.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a real buzz. The intent from the local government was to bring life back into the city, and I think the developments through the East Frame have really done that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fletcher Living Canterbury Regional Manager Mike Davison said, “The opportunity for an urban renewal of this scale is something we take great pride in delivering for Christchurch. One Central has helped re\u2011energise the inner city, creating real neighbourhoods where people want to live, connect, and contribute to Christchurch\u2019s ongoing re-emergence”.<\/p>\n