New pavilion proposed for Cathedral Square
22 August 2007
Replacing the outdated police kiosk in Cathedral Square with a pavilion housing the police, tram ticket office and retail shops is being proposed by the Christchurch City Council.
As a first stage in developing this concept, the city council is inviting “innovative and sustainable” proposals for the design and/or development of a new pavilion to replace the existing kiosk, says Project Manager Neil Gillon.
“The public will be consulted on the proposal once the design for the pavilion has been selected,” he says.
The Police Kiosk, at the northern end of the Square, was originally the ticket office for the Christchurch Transport Board and since 1991 has provided a central city base for the police beat officers. The current building is not big enough to meet the needs of the police.
“At any one time there can be more than twelve police in a very cramped area,” Mr Gillon says.
The Christchurch City Council’s proposal to replace the kiosk with a pavilion is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to the development and revitalisation of the central city.
“Cathedral Square is a gathering place for a wide range of people. Gathering the public’s opinion on the proposed design is key to ensuring that everyone is happy with the new building before it goes ahead,” says Gillon.
Central to the redevelopment of the site is providing an enhanced sense of security for users of Cathedral Square and, with the addition of retail outlets on the ground floor, continue to stimulate and develop the Square as a place to visit.
“We want to provide additional facilities and a point of focus for tourists and locals.”
The proposed pavilion will also promote higher foot traffic in the northern part of Cathedral Square.
Mr Gillon says that due to the high public profile of the Square, careful and considered design will be a major factor in the selection of the developers.
The proposed pavilion can be sited anywhere within a triangle from the current kiosk down to the Godley Statue quadrangle and the giant chess board may need to be relocated within the Square. The pavilion would provide storage for the chess pieces.
Apart from housing the police beat officers the proposed pavilion will also provide a ticket office and shelter for Christchurch Tramway along with an information and guided tours booth to complement the existing tourist information services in the Square.
Other suggestions include a café or bar, public toilets, city events promotions board and retail businesses, Mr Gillon says.
Once a design for the proposed pavilion has been finalised the concept of the new pavilion will be taken to the public for consultation. This is expected to occur either later this year or sometime in the new year.
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