February 2018
The newly landscaped former site of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building will be open to the public from 22 February 2018.
“The intention is that this site becomes a peaceful place in the central city for people to sit and reflect, among grass and gardens,” Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley.
“Fourteen cherry trees, seven kowhai trees and over 50 different species of plants will bring increasing amounts of colour as they get established. The existing four trees on the site also remain in place.”
“In the middle of the site there is a stone feature with water running along it that trickles into the garden.”
“There is also a place where people can leave mementoes and flowers next to words of remembrance.”
The collapse of the CTV building on the corner of Cashel and Madras Streets resulted in the loss of 115 lives and the injury of many more people in the February 2011 earthquake.
Three of the car parks and much of the building’s foundation have been retained. The western side of the foundation has been covered with stone chip. Planter boxes have been placed on the eastern side where the concrete is exposed.
“We recognise some people may wish to see and touch this foundation, while others may prefer not to. This mix of surfaces caters for that,” says Mr Brantley.
“The area has been lit so people will have the opportunity day or night to come here and sit, listen to the running water and just take a moment to reflect.”