20 | Revitalising Timaru town centre WSP’s design will minimise both the physical and visual prominence of the toilet block, repurpose the fountain area for staging and seating, and provide new play features and a drinking fountain to improve the amenity as a rest area. Timaru District Council: Strathallan Corner T T Russell Fredric “The final design weaves together our bicultural heritage, reflecting our CityTown Kaupapa Te Whāriki, our woven partnership.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The redevelopment of Timaru’s Strathallan Corner will create an attractive new public space in the heart of the town. An initiative of Timaru District Council’s CityTown Masterplan, the project is designed to help revitalise the town’s centre and to create a welcoming, inclusive space for residents and visitors alike. The previous layout of Strathallan Corner was designed to shelter the site from heavy traffic at a time when the state highway ran along Stafford Street and was dominated by the large, centralised toilet block. However, community feedback, the council’s Long Term Plan, market research, CityTown trials and the final Masterplan all highlighted demand for a more open, welcoming, accessible space for gathering and performances. Construction of stage 1 of the redevelopment began in May 2025 with the demolition of the old toilet block, and a new accessible toilet facility located to open up the site. Early work also included the temporary removal of the statue of Bob Fitzsimmons for safekeeping. The stage 2 work currently in progress comprises the remainder of the site with the overall concept provided by local designers, WSP. Timaru District Council assets and infrastructure manager, Andrew Dixon, says the transformative redevelopment reflects a commitment to safety, accessibility, cultural storytelling, and long-term value for ratepayers. “The final design weaves together our bicultural heritage, reflecting our CityTown Kaupapa Te Whāriki, our woven partnership.” WSP’s design will minimise both the physical and visual prominence of the toilet block, repurpose the fountain area for staging and seating, and provide new play features and a drinking fountain to improve the amenity as a rest area. Design elements include amphitheatre terraced seating and reclaimed bluestone and wharf timber. Stakeholders’ preference to also retain an accessible but sheltered space to rest and picnic during the working day has also been honoured, with the now multi-purpose space aligning with the CityTown vision of Te Hokinga ki te Ngākau or ‘return to the heart’. Completion was originally planned for September; however, work was delayed and the original concept design iterated, due to the need to address key structural and environmental considerations highlighted during early earthworks. “One change is that the curvature of the terraces has been reversed to accommodate underground infrastructure, while tall plantings at the front of the site have been removed to improve sightlines and pedestrian flow,” Andrew explains. “The challenge was to achieve as much multi-use space as possible without sacrificing the accessibility of any area within the site, or the safety of users moving through the site, while retaining as much as possible of the original design aesthetic.” Cultural integration is central to the redevelopment, and under the guidance of local artist Fran Spencer, the design incorporates a whāriki (woven mat) paving motif that symbolises the journey of īnaka (whitebait) through Timaru’s coastal lagoons. The theme of mahika kai is also carried through the tuna (eel) balance beams. Screening and planted areas provide separation of the toilet from the main seating area and the new toilet block features an historical photograph of the view up Strathallan St. “We look forward to opening the site for our community and visitors in the months ahead, and to seeing Strathallan Corner come to life over Timaru’s busy summer period,” says Andrew. “Timaru District Council would like to thank the many fantastic local contractors who have gone above and beyond to deliver this legacy project for our city centre.” 027 438 2047 WWW.SUPALOO.CO.NZ PROUD TO SUPPORT TIMARU DISTRICT COUNCIL Fresh-Flushing Toilets, Locally Serviced! Proudly New Zealand owned and operated, SSL are mechanical & piping installation specialists with decades of experience in dairy, food, and beverage production industries. P +64272292933 | E admin@siteservicesltd.co.nz | W www.siteservicesltd.co.nz
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