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.

• The World Firefighters Games open on 26 October and that day there also will be a ceremony to dedicate the reserve to firefighters from around the world.