Upgrade plans approved for Christchurch’s Cathedral Square

Work will start this winter on a $3.6 million upgrade of Cathedral Square.

Cathedral Square is going to get a make-over.

Christchurch City Council has approved plans for improving the south and southwest quadrants of Cathedral Square to support businesses in the area and to make it safer and more pleasant for visitors and residents.

The upgrade work will involve re-levelling the ground, re-laying paving, installing additional lighting and introducing more landscaping to soften the environment. Where possible, the existing materials will be recycled.

The aim is to create more inviting, inclusive and event-ready spaces.

“The earthquakes and the subsequent demolition of many of the buildings around the Square have taken their toll and left this important civic space in need of work,’’ says Council Capital Delivery Manager Alistair Pearson.

“With new private developments nearing completion, it is time we upgraded the Square and made it a more welcoming and inviting space for our residents and our visitors.’’

The work will begin in July and is expected to take about 18 weeks to complete.