Strathallan Corner Redevelopment
What is happening?
Strathallan Corner is being redeveloped in two stages. During Stage 1 the existing toilets will be demolished and a new Exeloo toilet (4 individual stalls, one accessible/with baby change) will be installed.
During Stage 2 the remainder of the site (including the fountain area) will be landscaped in accordance with the concept provided by local designers, WSP.
Why is it happening?
The current layout of Strathallan Corner – identified by our community as the ‘heart’ of the city – was designed to shelter the site from heavy traffic at a time when the state highway lay along Stafford Street.
Community feedback (Long Term Plan, market research, CityTown trials and Masterplan engagement) has highlighted demand both for a more open, welcoming, accessible space for gathering and performance, and the retention of an accessible, sheltered space to rest and picnic during the working day in order to realise stakeholders’ vision of Te Hokinga ki te Ngākau or Return to the Heart.
The concept prepared by WSP will minimise both the physical and visual prominence of the toilet block, will repurpose the fountain area for staging and seating, and will provide new play features and a drinking fountain to improve amenity as a rest area. The final design will weave together our bicultural and maritime heritage, reflecting our CityTown Kaupapa Te Whāriki, our woven partnership.
This project is identified in the year 0 – 5 investment and activity road map in Timaru’s CityTown Masterplan. Funding for further projects is yet to be confirmed.
When is it happening?
Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
At this time the total construction period is expected to last through until August/September 2025 however delays are always possible (weather, archaeological discoveries etc).
However, it is anticipated that Stage 1 will be completed, and the new toilets available for use, by the end of June 2025.
To read the reports and decisions associated with this project, please visit:
CityTown Programme - Year One Deliverables
Strathallan Corner Concept Design Endorsement
How will the site be managed during the Construction Period?
Toilets
Throughout the construction period two temporary Supaloo toilets (one accessible) will be provided on site with customers also encouraged to use the toilets at the Timaru Library and on Station St. Wayfinding signage to these alternative facilities will be provided on site.
Fencing and Public Safety
The portion of the corner which is an active work site will be fenced at all times during demolition and construction periods. However, during Stage 1 the grassed area adjacent to the fountain will remain accessible, while the new toilet units will be accessible – and operational – during Stage 2.
Bob Fitzsimmons Statue and Plaques
For his own safety and protection, the statue of Bob Fitzsimmons, created by Margriet Windhausen and donated by Sir Robert Jones, will be temporarily stored offsite during earthworks but reinstated during Stage 2. The current plinth will be removed (the bluestone cladding will be salvaged, if possible) and the other plaques on site also removed and stored for safekeeping.
Parking and Traffic Flows
The redevelopment does not encroach on or redevelop any parking spaces or vehicle lanes and disruption to traffic flows and parking will be minor (there will be limited vehicle movements to and from the site). Following redevelopment of the site itself, upgrades to the surrounding footpaths will be undertaken with further details to be released in due course.
Trees
Due to issues around both tree health/longevity and around current and anticipated damage to landscaped areas from roots and possible storm events, it has been found both practically and financially necessary to remove the existing, overgrown shade/shelter trees from the rear of the site (stakeholder preference was to retain these). Suitable replacements, together with appropriate underplanting and sculptural elements, will be included as part of the redevelopment. This approach will ensure a safe, sustainable and cost-effective outcome for ratepayers which will also achieve stakeholder objectives for shade and shelter as the new plantings mature.
Dust and noise
There will be a short period of dust and noise during the demolition of the existing toilet block (estimated 2 days). Demolition contractors have an appropriate Environmental Management Plan in place to minimise effects on surrounding businesses and members of the community. Council officers will monitor compliance.
wHO IS INVOLVED?
CITY CENTRE STAKEHOLDERS
This project responds to community and stakeholder feedback about their aspirations and priorities for the regeneration of Timaru’s city centre. As we move into the detailed design and delivery phase we particularly appreciate the ongoing support of Timaru’s CBD Group members and volunteers in providing review of design iterations to ensure that these continue to support desired uses for the site.
Heritage New Zealand
Stage 1 of this project takes place largely within the footprint of the existing toilet block, an area which has already been disturbed to some depth (existing foundations). The area impacted during Stage 2 will see modest earthworks (max depth 600 – 800mm, with the exception of footings for light pole structures) across areas not recently excavated. For this reason the project team have sought an Archaeological Authority from Heritage New Zealand for Stage 2 of the development, while Stage 1 will proceed with an Accidental Discovery Protocol in place.
Local Suppliers and COntractors
We are proud to be supporting local with a great bunch of contractors already on board to inform and deliver this project. We appreciate the input of Milward Finlay Lobb, Davis Ogilvie, South Island Archaeology, Corde, Hardie Building, BETTA, Steven Brooks Building, Supaloo, Stan Moore Electrical, All About Signs and Rooney Group Limited. We look forward to updating this list with additional contractors involved as our works progress.
TIMARU DISTRICT COUNCIL AND LOCAL UTILITIES
We are coordinating these works with the proposed upgrade of the traffic lights at the adjacent Strathallan/Stafford/Church Street intersection, with the subsequent upgrade of adjacent footpaths, and with renewals of Alpine Energy assets on site.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
This project is part-funded by MBIE’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund with a grant of $300,000 off-setting our total maximum budget of $1.6 million.
Te Rūnanga o arowhenua
Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua are providing tikanga advice and design input to this project.
WSP New Zealand Limited
Following a competitive tender process open to all local designers, WSP were selected to provide the concept and detailed design for this site.