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Firefighters Reserve to open
A distinctive spot for
contemplation along the Avon
River corridor is the idea behind
the new Firefighters Reserve. The area of Council land outside the Central Fire Station in Kilmore
Street is being redeveloped. The plan is for it to be ready in time for
the World Firefighters Games at the end of the month. This year’s games
are significant, being the first since the 11 September 2001 World Trade
Centre tragedy and the Sydney bush fires. Staff from the Council’s Parks and
Waterways Unit say the northfacing
park is a natural
amphitheatre enclosed by the
arches of two bridges. It looks over
a fast-flowing stretch of the Avon
framed by native grasses. Their aim
with the redevelopment is to
enhance the site’s existing
attributes. The reserve will serve the city
in several ways: as a place of rest
and contemplation and as a
recreational and cultural area.
Firefighters also use the site to
test pumping equipment. A
podium and slopes to the water
for this are part of the design. Also important is
acknowledgment of the site’s
heritage and cultural values – it is
alongside the former site of Tautahi
Pa – and the planting will be
strongly reflective of New Zealand
indigenous character. The planting
will readily identify the site as truly
New Zealand to tourists who are
likely to visit the site. Staff say the redevelopment has
had significant input from local
firefighters, Maori and other
neighbours. An artwork made from steel
from the World Trade Centre and
gifted to Christchurch by the
people of New York will be
located near the site. |