'Spark yet to arrive' at new city park

Dean Kozanic/FAIRFAX NZ

ATTRACTING CRITICS: The "disappointing" Spark Park on Hereford St.

A new central-city park built by telecom company Spark has been called unappealing and harsh by one of New Zealand's leading landscape architects.

The Spark Park was built on the site of the company's former Telecom exchange building in Hereford St. The building was demolished after the February 2011 earthquake.

The small park features some grass planters, four lamp-posts, free wi-fi and the royal crest that used to adorn the original building. At the back of the park is a new piece of street art by Christchurch artist Wongi.

Do you live near an ugly park? Tell us about it at reporters@press.co.nz.

However, Christchurch landscape architect Di Lucas said the park looked unappealing.

"The rest of it looks unfinished, like the spark is yet to arrive. It looks like it is more for vehicles than for people," she said.

"It is very hard and harsh and an unusual colour. It is not friendly. It is disappointing and it looks unfinished."

Christchurch writer and designer Barnaby Bennett was also critical of the space.

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'Spark yet to arrive' at new city park