The ambitious Invercargill City Centre Masterplan included the Invercargill City Centre Streets Project, which was tasked with redeveloping the two main central streets (Don St and Esk St), turning them from the merely functional to something entirely more aspirational, where people would like to work, visit and stay. 

For the most part, Don and Esk Streets provided a corridor to businesses and shops only.  There were roads for cars and pavements for people.  But there was no reason to really dwell.  No reason to take a moment and enjoy the city centre.  This project aimed to change that, building on the long-held orientation of Invercargill, which prudently suggests keeping one’s ‘back to the wind and face to the sun’.

The design took this and worked to increase the usable space in the southern sides of the streets, where pedestrians would have more space in the sun, and where they might find refuge from the wind.  The widening of these areas also reduced the width for traffic, providing a naturally calming measure which forces drivers to instinctively slow down.

Plenty of seated areas in the design offer a chance for tired legs to sit and rest, or inquisitive legs the chance to stay still while planning the next move.  They are all wooden, and many have a distinct maritime feel to them, serving the dual purpose of seat and thick wooden border to the rain garden and plantings.  Many no doubt make for excellent balancing circuits for children too. 

If ever there was a tree so perfectly suited to a location, it’s the PODOCARPUS totara – NZ Native Totara.  Used on both the Don and Esk Streets streetscapes, it’s at home by the coast and in areas of high winds, a stalwart-like tree full of dense, dark green foliage.  Yet the plants used in Invercargill aren’t all about being resolute and tough (although they are assuredly that too) they and have a gentler side, as does the home of the world’s best cheese rolls. 

The Turkey Oak probably symbolises this duality best.  The leaves are shiny and tough on top, but felt-like and soft underneath.  The Flowering Pear is sturdy yet decidedly ornamental, and the Yoshino Cherry might seem soft and gentle, with the mass of almond scented white flowers in Spring, but it can survive a harsh Winter as well as any of those old mariners that settled in Invercargill.

Now finished, the Invercargill Streetscape is warm and inviting.  It brings a sense of calm, which brings a reason to take a moment and stay a while.  It’s still tough and Southern, but with a smile and open arms, welcoming workers, shoppers and visitors. 

It’s also welcoming awards, including the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence in Civic and Urban Design 2024.