6 June 2000

WANTED: Twelve Phoenix palm trees are needed for the redevelopment of the New Brighton Pedestrian Mall.

An avenue of the 12 palms is part of the plan for changes in the pedestrian mall between Oram Avenue and Marine Parade.

The Christchurch City Council’s landscape architect, Andrew Craig, not only wants 12 Phoenix palms but also he wants them all to have 3m-clear trunks before the crown.

"We would like to have a uniform avenue of the palms from the start of the work," he says.

The trees also need to be accessible to trucks for removal and he would like to know about them before the end of July.

Mr Craig already knows that some palms in private might be available but wants more so that his choice is greater and he can achieve a uniformity of size and height.

He would like residents who want the palms removed to donate them to the Council. He says any restoration work will be carried out at no cost to residents.

The palms are moved without too much trouble, he says.

Tenders for the $120,000 mall redevelopment are expected to let by the end of July.

NB: Information is available of the development from Mr Craig and Cr. Carole Evans will make herself available for photographs with existing palms if necessary. Phoenix palms can be seen outside the Excelsior Hotel, corner Manchester and High streets.

Further information: Andrew Craig: 941 8642.