Lyttelton’s Albion Square to be opened

Lyttelton’s Albion Square will reach its final milestone this weekend with an official community opening.

Banks Peninsula Councillor Andrew Turner will cut a ribbon, officially opening the new civic square at 44 London Street this Saturdayfollowing a $2.8 million development programme.

The new square features a stage, terraces and play equipment. Edible fruit trees and herb gardens have been planted. The carved entrance way (Ohinehouroko) is currently under construction and will be installed at Albion Square by late January.

Central to the square is the Lyttelton War Memorial Cenotaph which was has undergone extensive repair and restoration after suffering damage in the Canterbury earthquakes. A reinforced concrete core and foundation has added strength to the war memorial and new heritage lights have been custom made to replicate the originals which dated back to the 1920s.

Local materials have been used in the square’s construction including $20,000 worth of timber from Lyttelton’s former Cattle Jetty. Donated by Lyttelton Port of Christchurch, the timber formed part of the jetty which was demolished in December 2012.

Red rock collected from Sumner Road following the earthquake has been integrated into the upper terrace retaining wall and the paving designs are based on a flounder weaving pattern reflective of Rapaki and Lyttelton Harbour.

Councillor Turner says Albion Square is the result of close partnership working between the Council, Lyttelton–Mount Herbert Community Board and the local community.

“Lyttelton was badly damaged in the earthquakes with many local buildings and homes devastated. The Council and community recognised the need for a new town square, a permanent place where people could come together to celebrate and share ideas for the future. Located in the heart of Lyttelton, Albion Square is a significant development in the town’s post-earthquake recovery and a key action in the Lyttelton Master Plan.”

Following the earthquakes part of the site was being used for community events and working bees. Three transitional artworks previously located on site have been reinstalled in Albion Square including the mandala artwork of ceramic tiles in the shape of ‘Lyttel’ people produced by local school children. The other works are the mosaic seat by Tim Taylor and the ‘Fifth Ship’ using the nautical flag alphabet by Trent Hiles.

Lyttelton–Mount Herbert Community Board chair Paula Smith says the square is a great asset for the community.

“Albion Square is a celebration of a community-driven process and the board’s objectives at work. This is a positive partnership resulting in a new attractive town centre for Lyttelton that is welcoming for everyone.”

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Albion Square Timeline

July 2012: Council purchased the land at 44 London Street for the creation of a permanent town square.

March 2013: Council held drop-in sessions with the community to get their ideas on what they’d like included in the square.

April 2013: Two draft design options were developed after a community meeting hosted by the Lyttelton–Mount Herbert Community Board.

June – July 2013: Public consultation on the draft designs concepts.

August – October 2013: Community Board and Council approve site name and design.

December 2013: Demolition and clearing work start on site.

February 2014: Construction starts on Albion Square.

August 2014: Public open day held at Albion Square.

November 2014: Albion Square officially opened.

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