Latimer Square was opened up to Christchurch residents on the 16th December. A media release from CERA stated that ‘The reduction is the first of a series of incremental reductions that are anticipated in the week before Christmas and continuing in the New Year.’
How Christchurch Looks 10 Months after the February Earthquake
The red zone in Christchurch central has shrunk gradually since the 6.3 earthquake on February 22nd 2011. In spite of this, a large area is still inaccessible to the public but there are signs of progress. Life is slowly coming back to parts of the city and the container stores in Cashel Mall have been busy since opening in late October.
The skyline of the Christchurch continues to change as high rise buildings are demolished. The upper floors of the Hotel Grand Chancellor have been stripped and the deconstruction process will continue for several months still.
In spite of the progress, there are still many damaged structures around the city and also large gaps where buildings have been flattened.
Gap Filler Projects in Christchurch
Gap Filler is described as a creative urban regeneration initiative. Its aim is to fill the vacant land in the CBD and other parts of Christchurch. The sites are the result of large scale demolition in the city and are often stark and ugly and surrounded by devastation. Gap Filler transforms them by adding artworks, plants, and in some cases, interactive entertainment. Their efforts have been well supported by Christchurch locals and add beauty and interest to uplift people’s spirits.
Red Zone Bus Tours Come to an End
The red zone bus tours organised by CERA came to an end in early December and the last access to the Cathedral Walkway was on Sunday 18th December. CERA CEO Roger Sutton stated the following in an update sent out on Friday 16th December. ‘A total of 28,183 passengers travelled through the central city on the buses and another 60,000 people have visited Cathedral Square over the last three weekends. We estimate the operational cost of these tours to be $220,000 and people gave voluntary contributions to help cover the costs of the CBD visits on buses and to the Square walkthrough which has so far totalled about $60,000.’
The access has ended as further demolition will soon commence in the area, making it unsafe for the public to enter.
Christchurch faces a long road to recovery, but there are signs of recovery and rebuilding and many people are positive as they look to the future.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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