The Christchurch Arts Centre has responded to concerns raised by the Central City Business Association (CCBA) regarding its plan to increase the number of food trucks operating on its premises.

The Arts Centre is seeking resource consent to allow 25 food trucks, operating for 12 hours a day, seven days a week, as part of efforts to boost revenue and support the local community.

Arts Centre Director Philip Aldridge said the concerns raised by the CCBA are based on incomplete information.

“We think the reaction of the CCBA is based on them not having the full information. We are applying for 25 spots for food trucks, but there won’t be 25 in operation at any one time. The food trucks come and go, operating at lunchtimes primarily. Some do four days a week during the week, others come at weekends only.”

Aldridge explained that the flexible operating hours are intended to accommodate the mobile nature of food trucks. “They often go off to other events and locations, and that is the whole point of the 12 hours a day, seven days a week provision – not to hold them to those hours, but to give them the flexibility to operate here when they’re not on the road. We usually have six to seven operating at any one time.”

Aldridge also highlighted that food trucks have long been a part of The Arts Centre’s offerings. “We have had food trucks at The Arts Centre for decades – this is nothing new. It’s been part of our offering and meaning to the local community for years.”

Central Christchurch businesses, represented by the CCBA  strongly opposed the expansion. Annabel Turley, Chairperson of the CCBA, said the association is concerned that the increase in food trucks will harm permanent businesses in the city.

“This isn’t a food festival. This is a permanent encroachment on the livelihood of businesses that have invested their blood, sweat, and dollars in the city,” she said, calling for the City Council to halt all long-term funding to The Arts Centre Trust if the plan goes ahead.

However, Aldridge defended the role of food trucks at The Arts Centre, noting that they often serve as a stepping stone for businesses. “We have been known to be a starter option for businesses that graduate to bricks and mortar. For example, at least seven of the current operators at Riverside had their roots at The Arts Centre.”

The Arts Centre is also addressing the need for additional food offerings in the area, particularly in the evenings. “The city is growing, and there’s room for a wide range of hospitality options. Additionally, arts venues usually provide food offerings, and there is a paucity of food offerings, especially in the evenings, around The Arts Centre,” Aldridge said.

In response to calls for halting public funding to The Arts Centre, Aldridge explained that the organisation is following the Christchurch City Council’s directive to explore ways to become more financially sustainable.

“In the Long Term Plan, the Christchurch City Council asked us to explore ways to become more financially sustainable, so that’s what we’re doing. We’ve just opened The Arts Centre Shop, staffed by wonderful volunteers, and expanding the food truck offering is another way to bring in much-needed revenue.”

As a charitable trust, Aldridge said The Arts Centre relies on community support and diverse revenue streams to cover the funding gap. “As a charity, we need to do more to bridge the funding gap – and we need the support of the community to do so.”