Pieces of Berlin Wall unite in central Christchurch

Rauora Park in central Christchurch has been chosen as the site for a new public artwork featuring two slabs of the Berlin Wall.

The two painted sections of the dismantled wall, which divided East and West Berlin between 1961 and 1989, were gifted to Christchurch in 2017.

One of the sections of the Berlin Wall that will be installed in Christchurch later this year.

It’s hoped that the sections, which are 3.6 metres tall and weigh four tonnes each, will be in place later this year in time to mark the 30th anniversary of the original wall coming down.

Christchurch City Council has today voted to install them close together on the Cashel St end of Rauora Park between Lichfield and Cashel streets as an artwork symbolising the peaceful pursuit of liberty.

The Council noted the site was not permanent and the wall pieces could be moved in the future.

A site diagonally opposite the Floral Clock near the Christchurch Town Hall was originally suggested by Council staff but following investigation of other potential sites the Rauora Park option was preferred by Councillors.

It has lots of open space, good bike and pedestrian access, and is close to the Bus Interchange and car parking.

Acting Mayor Andrew Turner, who chaired today's meeting, says the segments of wall are symbolic of freedom, unity and inclusion. "These are themes that Christchurch is very, very familiar with and that we should celebrate.  

“It's very exciting that these pieces of history have been gifted to our city. I think they will have a strong resonance for local people and they'll become a focal point that will draw people in to touch them and take photos.

"Rauora Park is a new park in the city, and this installation will add to the experience that this new public open space offers."

The two sections of wall were gifted in 2017 to Christchurch by German construction firm Beratungsgesellschaft mbH which had the job of dismantling the controversial barrier. This arrangement was brokered by Ministry of Culture and Heritage staff with the assistance of SCAPE Public Art.

A group of Berlin-based students with learning disabilities painted one section (segment 88) in late 2014 or early 2015 while the second, segment 143, was painted to represent themes from television series Doctor Who around the same time.

It's planned that over time new artwork could be commissioned for each of the segments to give them a fresh, local flavour.