Work begins soon on St Paul’s landscaping

Contractors in Napier are set to start work on the landscaping of St Paul’s Church grounds, a project that involves replacement of the boundary wall and concrete, and the development of new gardens.

“This is a major project for the parish and one that is long overdue for our inner city church grounds,” said Reverend Sally Carter.

“Our parishioners have endured muddy, uneven ground for a long time as we’ve sorted out a design that will be welcoming, user friendly and with good connections to our city of which we are a part of.

“The trees in the grounds will be retained and the new layout will better protect the magnolia tree that is a feature of the church garden. The plan keeps the open space for vehicles and grassed areas which are popular spaces for people to congregate.”

The contractor, Chris Looij of The Real Landscaping Company, will replace the boundary rock wall with a block wall similar to that around the adjacent Municipal Theatre grounds. Seating will be provided so people will be able to enjoy this small oasis of tranquillity in the city.

Work, starting on February 18, is expect to take eight weeks.

Once work starts, the church and office will be closed but the parish will still be contactable, Cartersaid.

“Our services will continue in the adjacent Asher Hall and contact details will be on the notice board.”

St Paul’s parish began in Napier 160 years ago. The church was built after the 1931 earthquake destroyed the nearlycompleted building.