Christchurch Central Recovery Plan - New Zealand Listener

A Green CityThe SquareTe RīpekaThe Square will once again be the civic heart ofcentral Christchurch.The place to beMeet friends, eat lunch, listen to music,enjoy the city’s passing parade – theSquare will always entertain.Larger and smaller spacesA main square will be identified,complemented by a series of smallersquares and oriented toward activitiesaround it. There will also be more treesand plantings.A year-round spaceShading of the Square will be bettermanaged. Lower buildings on the northside will allow more sunlight to penetrate,creating a warm, sheltered environmentencouraging people to linger and enjoythe space.Day and nightCivic facilities such as the Central Libraryand the Convention Centre will give lifeto the Square for most of the day. Thereturn of entertainment facilities such ascinemas, performance spaces, cafés andrestaurants will be encouraged to make itvibrant and safe during the night as well.Style and heritageNew buildings around the Square willenhance its unique Maltese cross shapeand inspire, and activate and frame thecity’s civic heart.Other aspects of the Square willremain less certain while surroundingdevelopments are considered. However,space will be kept for a new cathedral.Location PlanJean Batten Place, AucklandTe Ara Tahuhu Walkway, Britomart, AucklandTakutai Square, Britomart, AucklandSt Patrick’s Cathedral, Auckland57Christchurch Central Recovery Plan