Six cast-iron seats in 1860s style are to be placed in a public courtyard at the Provincial Council Chambers.

Installation of the seats is part of the on-going redevelopment of the buildings by the Christchurch City Council.

The seats will be put in place on Friday 22 June by the suppliers, Maison Rouge. Council senior landscape architect Dennis Preston says the courtyard is almost a secret and magical part of the Chambers that the public seems to know little about.

The seats will be in keeping with the style of the period when the Council building was erected.

Also new grass and paths have just been installed in the courtyard and a horsetail water pump will be the next object to be installed there.

There was originally such a pump in the courtyard and it drew artesian well water for fire fighting.

The new and replica pump will be able to draw water but not from the original well.

Access to the courtyard is from the Chambers and from the riverside walk.

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