Workers have been busy this week, primarily taking out an old 'cobblestoned' concrete path and preparing things for more accessible ramps. There has also been more trenching and dealing with pipes for services such as water and power.
Seeing this work go on, what sprang to my mind was "Why didn't they just knock the whole thing down and start again?" I put this question to Stephan Titze, Parks and Property Project Lead at Horowhenua District Council. His reply:
The initial reason for the re- development of the existing structure was simply budget constraints and the aim to utilize existing structures as much as possible and practical.
The second constrains have been potential impacts on consenting issues. Finally the design also aimed to conserve the original character of this area.
Photos below from late afternoon on Thursday 05 May and Friday 06 May 2022.
A few more notes: The builders were a bit frustrated that the skip they needed for the rubble to be removed was slow in arriving. I've doctored two photos above to remove some juvenile graffiti.
