NEWS RELEASE
7 November 2014

Life’s a beach in Civic Square

Civic Square will be buzzing with goodtime summer vibes over the coming months thanks to Wellington City Council bringing the beach to the central city.

There will be beach chairs to kick-back and relax in, beach toys for the kids and an ice cream pod selling a Wellington themed ice cream flavour.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the pop-up beach is a great reminder of summer days ahead. “Tactical Urbanism is a refreshing way to revitalise public spaces for people to enjoy.”

Tactical Urbanism can be defined as short-term, cost-effective projects that energise public spaces. The beach is based in the disused pond near the old Capital E building. Recycled plastic pallets and geotextile fabric have been laid at the bottom of the pond to help with drainage then soft sand has been added on top.

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester says the Council’s urban designers have taken in to consideration Wellington’s occasionally boisterous weather.

“The sand has been selected for lightness and large particle size, making it resistant to wind. It's also very soft and great for building sand castles. A specially designed sand pit cover will protect the beach in the evenings.”

The Civic Square beach is one of the Council’s Summer Central City Projects and cost $20,000 to build and maintain.

Councillor Lester says this is the first of many pop-up projects Wellington City Council has planned to bring activity to public spaces in the central city this summer. “Pop-ups are evolving public spaces that encourage interacting and creativity. It’s a social space for everyone to enjoy.”

Earlier this week the Council launched a competition inviting people to share their version of a Wellington themed ice cream flavour. People can submit their unique and fresh ideas to the Council’s social media sites – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. When the competition ends, ice cream maker Pride & Joy will turn the best idea into an ice cream flavour. The Wellington themed ice cream flavour will be for sale at the Civic Square beach.

ENDS

© Scoop Media