Thursday 12 September 2013

Design approved for Lyttelton’s civic square

Christchurch City Council today approved a design for the development of Lyttelton’s civic square.

In the plan the town’s cenotaph is placed at the rear of the site and a waharoa (entranceway) at the corner of Canterbury and London streets.

The design includes a sheltered performance area, seats/raised planters constructed from reclaimed timbers, a grassed terrace, hand-operated pump with water flowing down a brick-lined rill referencing the historic stormwater drain beneath the site, and a public toilet. A children’s play area uses the natural slope and there is space for the St Joseph’s Church bell (if donated).

Following community consultation in June 2013, a development plan for Lyttelton’s civic square site at 44 London Street was considered at the Lyttelton/Mt Herbert Community Board meeting on Thursday 22 August 2013.

One hundred and forty named submissions were received during the consultation period from 10 June to 1 July 2013. Feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders is reflected in the plan.

The design also includes three transitional projects to be relocated on the site, including a mandala artwork of ceramic tiles in the shape of ‘Lyttel’ people produced by local school children. The other works are the mosaic seat and the ‘Fifth Ship’ using the nautical flag alphabet.

The waharoa will feature a fish hook and anchor, representing the coming together of two cultures, and earth-toned pavers in a traditional Māori weaving pattern will be used on the lower level of the site.

Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button is pleased that the civic square, one of the key action points in the Lyttelton Master Plan, is coming to fruition.

“This is visible progress and will be a big boost for the Lyttelton community. The Lyttelton Master Plan was one of the first approved by the Council and I’m excited that this proposal is now about to become a reality.”

Paula Smith Lyttelton/Mt Herbert Community Board Chair says this proposal is a celebration of the process and the Board’s objectives at work.

“This is a true community partnership in earthquake recovery and also about rebuilding our town centre with character. The community really got behind the project and this end result is going to be a great asset, a place residents can gather and celebrate our unique port community.”

Now that the plan has been approved, the next step is to develop the detailed design and a call for tenders for the construction work. Work on implementing the plan is expected to be completed next year.

To view more civic square information visit www.ccc.govt.nz/suburbancentres

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