CTV site to be beautified in time for anniversary

Published: 3:18PM Monday December 23, 2013 Source: ONE News

Wire fences surrounding Christchurch's CTV site will be pulled down next month to make way for grass and planter boxes.

The site, where 115 people died in the February 2011 earthquake, will eventually become part of the city's new Eastern Frame.

But in the meantime, changes will be made to the site to make it a more "welcoming environment" for remembrance.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) plans to plant grass on some of the site, replace high fencing, and add planter boxes to the perimeter.

Maan Alkaisi, whose wife Dr Maysoon Abbas died when the building collapsed, said he had spent many hours at the site.

"I lost my best friend, my wife, the person I love so of course it's going to be a very special place always."

The victims' families have worked to keep the area tidy but aside from a few signs and decorations, the site is bare.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was pleased to hear the site would be beautified.

"I remember looking at the site and thinking this isn't right," she said.

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CTV site to be beautified in time for anniversary