A major anchor project was opened to the public on 25 November 2018, providing an important cog in Christchurch's central city recovery. The Avon River Precinct (ARP) is a new walkway along the Otakaro/Avon River waterfront. It extends 2 kilometres from Christchurch Hospital to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground, snaking through the heart of the central city.

The city promenade was designed as an interconnected collection of usable spaces. This includes a 'shared space' for walking, cycling, driving, tram riding and relaxation, and a 'flexible space' for outdoor dining, bike/scooter parking, and socializing.

Since 2015, r+m has been involved in the project providing landscape architectural services as part of the 'Design Build Team' led by Downer NZ on behalf of Otakaro - a crown-led company that delivers Christchurch anchor projects. r+m recently partnered directly with Otakaro on the project's Avon Loop extension. r+m is proud to have worked together with Otakaro and the Design Build Team to deliver this important project and look forward to more collaborative work opportunities in the future. They are excited about how this project will act as a catalyst for future development, events, and activities, transforming the central city of Christchurch into a great place to live, work, play, and visit.