Square on track to open next month

Construction of the Hutt City’s new Civic Square is well under way and on track to be completed in time for a public opening on Thursday 22 March followed by the Big Day Dowse launch party on Sunday 25 March.

Recent work on the square has involved landscaping of the site which includes retaining as many existing trees as possible with a number of Kauri relocated.

Great attention has been paid to incorporating natural elements in the design of the Square and Auckland artist John Reynolds is working closely with Council to devise a 'living' large scale art work featuring 46 large Titoki trees and 12 Nikau. John's sculptures will take shape as rooms made of trees that visitors can walk, play or sit in.

The Square is part of Council’s Making places project and is set to become an outdoor arts and culture based precinct in the city, hosting family-based and arts-related events that will complement The Dowse.

Work has also started on new paving at the Tutukiwi Living Gallery which is styled to complement the design of the Square and make it a more attractive space to visit.

The new paving is also set to improve the area’s connection with the Square and the Hutt Arts Society.

Council’s horticultural asset manager Judy Robb says the new paved area will also increase use of Tutukiwi as an exhibition site.

“During the upcoming Banks Shoes Shapeshifter event the new paved area will be used to display large scale contemporary art and inside the gallery we’ll house smaller works.

“I’m confident the new paving will make the gallery a more flexible space and there will be further opportunity for exciting exhibitions.”