Source: Radio New Zealand
Cathedral Square was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes. Frank Film
A long-awaited plan for an upgrade to Christchurch’s Cathedral Square will go to the public in coming months, Christchurch City Council says.
Council staff briefed mayor Phil Mauger and councillors on concept design work for the city’s traditional centre on Wednesday.
Cathedral Square – which encircles the moth-balled Christ Church Cathedral in the central city – was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes.
Efforts to upgrade both the cathedral building and surrounding square have floundered for more than a decade.
Council strategy, planning and regulatory general manager John Higgins said the revitalised concept design would go to the public for consultation later this year.
“The current programme has largely focused on surface improvements like upgrading roads and footpaths, paving and landscaping.
“We now have an opportunity to build on the design work done by Regenerate Christchurch to further recognise the role and importance of Cathedral Square as our central civic space.”
The council was seeking expressions of interest for the project.
Previous feedback had shown people want Cathedral Square to be an accessible and vibrant place to gather, Higgins said.
“For many, the square has historically been a gathering place for everyone who calls Christchurch home. We want to acknowledge its role as the heart of our city, connecting all our new and existing facilities and creating a space that reflects that importance.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
