Kaipātiki Local Board is moving forward with a proposal to redevelop Zion Hill Reserve into a valuable public space.
Today the local board approved the concept designs for the reserve, allowing for more detailed design to begin.
The project is proposed be completed in two stages. Stage one is an artist-led redevelopment of the space, which will include new walkways, landscaping, planting and furniture.
Kaipātiki Public Arts Trust has committed to raising funds for an artwork for the second stage. The first stage of the project is funded through the local board’s capital works budgets.
Local board chairperson Kay McIntyre says the project will open up an under-used public space.
“Zion Hill Reserve is on a prominent intersection in Birkenhead, but because it is surrounded by trees, many people do not know it is here.
“We want to take this opportunity to invest in a high quality reserve space for our community to enjoy. It is right on the edge of the town centre and will be a great gateway to Birkenhead,” she says.
“Public art is also very important to our community and we are excited that we have an opportunity to include artistic elements into the redevelopment and work with a community trust on this.”
Valuable native trees, including kauri, will be retained.
The reserve has been identified in the 2006 Highbury Centre Plan as a priority for redevelopment and the provision of a gateway feature or public artwork. It meets the Kaipātiki Local Board Plan 2014 objective to encourage vibrant town and village centres, and objectives in the Kaipātiki Public Art Plan.
