Rolleston, the South Island's fastest-growing town, has already proven itself to be a popular place to live, with easy connections to Christchurch and recreational activities abounding throughout Canterbury. Now a new town centre is taking shape, offering new opportunities for business, retail, and hospitality.
Rolleston Fields, described as an "innovative new urban town centre complimented with well thought out design", is being built in four stages over five years, says Caroline Cooper-Dixon, of Tennyson 2021.
An emphasis on integrated design and landscaping from the outset makes Rolleston Fields special. "The master plan took around 18 months to create. We've worked closely with the council and other organisations to create a vibrant new town centre, with the use of precincts and well thought out design," says Cooper-Dixon.
"You'll find a health and wellbeing precinct, specialty retail, large format retail, entertainment precinct, and hospitality throughout. We've really taken on board what others would like too; some of the residents have had input into our health and wellness precinct for example."
Rolleston Fields will also include office and co-working spaces, as well as public exploration and play areas.
Cooper-Dixon and business partner Lilly Cooper worked with a team of expert consultants, including Selwyn District Council urban planners; architects IKON, Thom Craig and PRAU Studio Architects; IZZARD Hospitality Architects; award-winning builders Armitage Williams; and placemaking and branding specialists Studio South.
"They are all great people to work with, with awesome skill sets within their own teams as well, we're enjoying working with them all on a project so exciting, how often do you get to design a brand new town centre?" says Cooper-Dixon. "The development will appeal to all generations—local residents, people travelling further down south, and people that choose to pop in from Christchurch."
Precincts are already taking shape with construction well underway.
The Health and Wellbeing Precinct, designed by IKON, will offer fitness classes on the green, saunas and ice baths and other holistic therapies, and a spa to relax and unwind, with a facial or massage.
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