CCNZ / HIREPOOL CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015
Lyttelton’s new town square provides food for the soul It’s well known that the 2011 Christchurch earthquake wrought a trail of destruction across the city. Less well known is the fact that community spaces can help restore people’s health and wellbeing after devastating natural disasters.
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CATEGORY
PROJECT: Albion Square, Lyttlelton CONTRACTOR: HEB Construction
20 Civil Contractors NZ in association with Contractor magazine
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ecently built Albion Square, located in the middle of Lyttelton, is a standout example of what is being achieved in the Canterbury earthquake rebuild – one that has rejuvenated the hearts and minds of quake-weary townsfolk. The powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake in 2011 saw the Square’s namesake – historic Albion Hotel – suffer irrevocable damage. It was torn down and the place where Albion Square now sits became a spartan, unofficial community hub and gathering place. That was, until Christchurch City Council bought the land and tendered to formally create a community space for the port town. Awarded the contract in March 2014, civil construction company HEB Construction approached the build of Albion Square with sensitivity and keen engagement with the local community to understand their wants and wishes. The end result is a landmark town feature, sparkling with perfectly sculpted terraces, red rock retaining walls, an intricately paved stage, fruit trees, herb gardens and an interactive playground for kids. The icing on the cake is the Lyttelton War Memorial
