Christchurch City Council Media Release 5 June 2008
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Trees removed from City Mall

Up to 10 trees are being removed from City Mall between Colombo Street and the Bridge of Remembrance as work progresses on Project City Mall.

The trees have been identified for removal either because they are in decline or because their root systems will be affected by the construction of the new service lane – which has been moved slightly further south since original plans were released, at the request of nearby retailers.

More trees will also be removed from the Hack Circle area as work progresses along High Street. The large tree directly outside the Hallensteins building will not be removed.

The decision was discussed with arborists, and the trees will be replaced as work progresses through the mall. None are on the city’s list of protected trees.

Christchurch City Arborist Shane Moohan says one tree is declining in health, several will not survive after the tram foundation and service lane are constructed, and several others are being replaced with more appropriate species.

“We’re taking this opportunity to take some of the old trees out and replace them with nice, bright trees that will look wonderful. In Autumn they will look like a row of red candles along City Mall – it is part of the urban design of the area.

“In time, the idea is to replace the remaining trees with species similar to these new trees, but this will not happen for several years or until the old trees are ready to go,” Mr Moohan says.

Project Director Sean Whitaker says that as well as the need to take down trees for construction reasons, the removal will open-up the mall and create a clear view of the Bridge of Remembrance – part of the design concept for the new-look City Mall.

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