Four Civic Trust awards for City Council projects

The City Council received four awards from Christchurch Civic Trust in December last year.

The trust is a community organisation concerned with improving and regenerating the environmental quality of the city and its surrounding area, and promoting greater environmental awareness.

Bus Exchange/Crossing
The project involved development of a new bus interchange with internal pedestrian links to existing and new shopping facilities.

The award recognised that the project had “played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of public transport, creating new commercial attractions to enliven the central city, and opening the door for the final stages of upgrading the Cathedral Square.

Halswell Quarry Park
The Council and community has rehabilitated the disused 55-hectare quarry site developing the area into a park with picnic areas, walking tracks, landscaped gardens, a lake providing habitat for birds, and conservation of the historic buildings.

The Civic Trust said that Halswell Quarry Park “provided an excellent example of how a derelict site and adjoining areas, could be turned into a community asset of great lasting value”.

Our City
The historic Municipal Chambers building has been converted into “Our City”, a new venue where organisations can present and exchange ideas and knowledge about the city.

The Civic Award recognises that Our City will serve to raise the community’s awareness and appreciation of its heritage and environment.

Electric Bus Shuttle Service
The Council’s free downtown bus service runs every 10 minutes. Four batterypowered buses operate the service with zero emissions of noise and fumes.They have been used by about 2.5 million people since 1998.

The Electric Bus Shuttle was applauded for its “well demonstrated ability to meet noise and exhaust-free performance standards, made all the more popular by offering a no-pay, walk-on / walk-off service”.