The next phase of a project to make Christchurch’s Whiti-reia Cathedral Square a safer and more enjoyable place to visit is under way, the city’s council has advised.
Contractors have begun work to re-level the ground, re-lay paving, install additional lighting and introduce landscaping.
“Cathedral Square is one of Christchurch’s most important public spaces and we are working in stages to improve its appearance and make it a more enjoyable place for people to spend time,’’ says Christchurch City Council General Manager of Infrastructure and Regulatory Services, Jane Davis.
“Private property developers have invested significantly in the buildings surrounding the Square and we now have Te Pae open. It is important that we support the investment in this area by making sure the Square itself is an attractive, safe space for people.
“We have already completed landscaping and paving work directly in front of the Spark building and to the west of the Distinction Christchurch hotel. Now, our contractors are focusing on the area by the old Post Office building,” she said.
The next area to be tackled is the OGB and the Distinction Christchurch Hotel, said Ms Davis.
“We have held off doing any work in this area while the hotel was used as a Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facility, but we want to progress the work now,” she said.
“We are working closely with OGB and the Distinction Christchurch Hotel to determine a construction schedule that allows them to continue operating through the busy spring and summer period.”
As part of the Cathedral Square works, the security camera network in the area will be upgraded, while later this year the restored Citizens’ War Memorial will also be returned to the Square.
It was removed from its original site, next to Christ Church Cathedral, in April 2021.
The Council is aiming to have the Memorial revealed in its new home in time for Armistice Day commemorations.
