Octa was seconded into the Christchurch City Council Project Management Unit to manage the development of a civic square where the historic Albion Hotel had stood until the 2011 earthquakes.
The Council purchased the site in 2012, recognising the need for a permanent public square. Together, the Council, the Lyttelton/Mt Herbert Community Board and the community developed a concept plan for what was to become a 1,200m2 civic square - later named Albion Square.
The Cenotaph was dismantled, relocated, structurally strengthened/repaired and then rebuilt onsite. The main public square was made from locally sourced materials and includes an outdoor stage, public toilet and edible gardens.
“Albion Square is a celebration of a community-driven process and the Board’s objectives at work. This is a positive partnership resulting in a new attractive town centre for Lyttelton that is welcoming for everyone.” - Paula Smith, Lyttelton, Mount Herbert Community Board chair.
