XCHC’s purpose is to cultivate a creative ecology, we do this by bringing like minded people together to support each other through their creative development.
The intention of developing XCHC 2.0 is to build New Zealand’s first mixed-use, community-owned, co-living co-working facility to strengthen communities’ creative and cultural sector. This will be based on a regenerative financial model, supporting creativity and wellbeing.
Ohu is supporting the XCHC with the vision, strategy and financial model to realise this initiative
XCHC is a 'for purpose' business set up to benefit the community by providing a place for creative practitioners to develop their practice, share ideas and knowledge, and connect with other creative practitioners.
XCHC provides three unique yet connected areas: makerspace, showcase space, and the cafe/bar. Their close proximity enables the casual exchange of knowledge between the creative disciplines. Additionally, by providing a place for creative practitioners to meet one another it lends to building a community of interest around the creative industries. The three areas of focus are:
XCHC (Exchange Christchurch) has been open since August 1 2014. Â It is currently renting with the lease expiring in 2 years. Â
Social Purpose
XCHC’s purpose is to cultivate a creative ecology, it does this by providing a encouraging space for people to share and develop their creative practices.
Stage of Development
Ideation
Project Lead
Contact Preston HegelÂ
Next Steps
Develop business plan
Identify potential sites
Build governance team
Develop pathway aligned with timeline
Knowns / Unknowns / Barrier
Unknown: future location
Knowns: need to raise funds to purchase a building and do a fit out
Estimated Costs
~2 million
Projected Return
Hire space to creatives generates a return to cover operations cost
Creates meaningful employment
Social Ecology
- Residents who develop creative works
- Event Hosts who share creative works
- Public who experience and give feedback on the creative works
- XCHC team (staff and board)
Preston Hegel
EXCHANGE OPERATOR
Preston Hegel
XCHC 2.0 is a mixed-use, community-owned, co-living co-working facility dedicated to strengthening the creative and cultural sector.