AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

9 February 2006

Memory Corner gets an upgrade to remember

Construction is about to begin on a makeover of Memory Corner, which will transform a forgotten part of Ellerslie into an attractive public open space.

The historic site, bounded by the main highway and Findlay Street and close to Ellerslie's pedestrian overbridge, will be renovated into three landscaped public courtyards, doing justice to its former role as Ellerslie's focal point and the site of the Ellerslie Hotel.

The $280,000 Auckland City project features bluestone walls, timber seats and stone clad concrete benches, as well as tree and shrub planting to enclose the space.

Auckland City project manager, Blake Hunton, says the aim of the upgrade project is to enhance the corner and make it a more appealing public area.

"We hope the new design features will revitalise the space and help to re-establish Memory Corner as a valuable central point for the Ellerslie community," he says.

The upgrade will begin on Wednesday, 15 February and is expected to last eight weeks. The pedestrian overbridge will remain open throughout the works period.

The Memory Corner makeover is the latest stage of works originally identified in Ellerslie's 1999 urban design plan that have included gateway and local signage, town square, mainstreet lighting and street furniture upgrades over the past six years.

Those wanting more information on the upgrade can visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/projects

Memory Corner was given its name in 2001 following a competition to name the area. The name refers to its strong historical connections as the location of the former Ellerslie hotel and Mickey Bain's Store, Ellerslie's only grocery store.

ENDS

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