Architect calls for four Invercargill columns to be saved
“In the last few weeks, I have discussed the opportunities in Esk St West with many people and like me they cannot understand why the columns and restroom should be demolished.”
An architect who 20-plus years ago played a role in the introduction of four columns in Dee St is urging the Invercargill City Council not to demolish them.
Although all options put forward by the council, as part of a proposed Wachner Place-Esk St West redevelopment, include removing them.
Invercargill architect Bob Simpson chaired the physical environment sub-committee of Vibrant City Invercargill, 1990s.
The Invercargill City Council had at the time asked four city architectural firms to develop and share their ideas for the inner-city.
“We worked together on this project and displayed our drawings and models in a local shop. The community lined up to view the designs and models, to ask questions, and to record their preferences,” Simpson said.
An Inner-City Steering Committee was formed with four city councillors and four members of the Vibrant Board, including Simpson.
It engaged local firms McDowell Architects and McCulloch Architects to design most of the work.
Included in the work was the introduction of the four Celtic columns on Dee St, which remain in place today.
Architect John McCulloch said: “The design and position of Celtic columns, provide a preference for pedestrians at the intersection of Esk and Dee Streets. Vertical elements in a city which is flat, are important, to provide a third dimension.”
The council is currently consulting with the public on what it should do with Wachner Place and Esk St West.
The project ties in with the development of the former Menzies Building into a new 4.5-star hotel developed by Geoff Thomson of Distinction Hotels.
The preferred option enables tour buses to turn left from Dee St through Wachner Place, to drop guests at the hotel entrance.
In all options, the four columns on Dee St will be demolished. The clock at Wachner Place would also be removed, with the prospect the restroom would also go.
Simpson has suggested another option in what he calls a ‘Dare to Dream’ proposal.
His proposal is to make Esk St West an “elegant, accessible area, for people to walk safely and for buses and other vehicles to move slowly, both west and east”.
In Simpson’s proposal the Celtic columns, Wachner Place restroom, and some seating in Wachner Place would remain.
“In the last few weeks, I have discussed the opportunities in Esk St West with many people and like me they cannot understand why the columns and restroom should be demolished.”
Although Simpson isn’t advocating for Wachner Place to remain a public gathering space.
“Wachner Place will never be a good place for larger public events.
“Seating in the sun near the food businesses on the south of Wachner place is a good idea.”
“Sadly, Wachner Place has failed as a public area. Noise and pollution from heavy traffic on SH6 disrupt music and public speaking events, and despite the shelter wall and clock tower, it remains an unpleasant place in bad weather. The raised planters restrict movement and create work.”
As part of Simpson’s submission to council he stated that the key quest should be to make moving around as safe and convenient as possible.
“Individuals, couriers, taxis, and other service people need to be able to move around our city by walking, cycling, travelling by bus and in other vehicles.
“The recent changes to Esk and Don Streets provide a good example of a calm mixing of people and vehicles.
“However, the expensive paving in Esk St is not needed in Esk St West. My definition of elegant means well designed and using good materials; accessibility means suitable for people who are differently abled and being affordable to build and to maintain.”
Simpson is keen to allow buses travelling north on Dee Street to turn left into Esk St West and to make Esk St West a calm two-way traffic street, with footpaths on both sides and verandas, where possible.
His proposal includes retaining the traffic lights and the pedestrian crossings from Esk St West across Dee Street to Esk St and to provide a pedestrian shelter on the Esk St West side.
The council has called for submissions on the project and will next week hear from submitters who want to speak to councillors.
Simpson has confirmed he will speak to councillors about his alternative proposal on Tuesday.
Opening up west Esk Street to two way traffic would be a travesty. Reasonable access to the new hotel can be achieved from Leven Street. Let’s retain the pedestrian emphasis and link to Esk St east and yes retain the Celtic pillars.
It seems strange to me that after the public BEGGING for a more pedestrian friendly environment in the CBD this council now wants to demolish one of the save spaces in the center and allow not just MORE cars but BUSSES. WHY WHY WHY? Isn't that money best spent elsewhere? How about doing improvements to Wachner Place instead at I'm sure HALF THE COST TO THE TAX PAYERS. Let those horrible looking tourist busses use Leven Street, much safer for everyone.