June 2010 - Newsletter, June 2010

02 June 2010

Wigram Skies has been chosen as the name for the new community being built on the site of the former Wigram  Aerodrome. The name reflects the land’s history as a flight school, and an air force base, along with the owners’ (Ngāi Tahu) vision for the future and the creation of a vibrant community. In consultation with the Airforce Museum names have also been short-listed for the neighbourhoods and streets. It is hoped that streets will be named after aircraft, the first 100 students at the Canterbury Flight School, and other air force-related themes. The neighbourhoods’ names will celebrate the area’s history, native birds, butterflies, constellations and the prevailing winds using Ngai Tahu names where possible.

Cecil Hill - the first neighbourhood

The name of Wigram Skies’ first neighbourhood will commemorate the man who made the very first flight at Wigram, on May 7th 1917. Cecil Hill was the chief instructor at what was then the Canterbury Flying School, training airmen for World War One and the Royal Flying Corps.

The historic flight was made in a Caudron bi-plane. Sadly, Cecil Hill was killed just two years later when his plane crashed while he was performing aerobatics over Riccarton racecourse.

Smooth Progress

The earthworks in the Awatea Basins, a co-operative project involving the Christchurch City Council, Downer Edi Works and Ngai Tahu Property, are progressing well, according to Ngai Tahu Property Development Manager Alan Grove. “We’ve had a really great run with the weather in April and early May and we’re right on target.”

“Our Stage 1 site filling project is going well too.” Mr Grove says the three organisations have worked together very effectively to achieve a fantastic long term outcome. The basins have been partly hydro-seeded to get a quick, consistent grass-take before winter and Mr Grove says it’s now possible to get an idea of what the area will look like when finished. Planting is to begin shortly.

Profile: the people behind Wigram Skies

Mark Hurford
Contract Manager - Construction Downer Edi Works

As Contract Manager, Civil Engineer Mark Hurford is responsible for the Stage 1 earthwork and current civil contracting for Wigram Skies from pricing through to completion. A self-confessed “outdoors type” he was attracted to civil engineering by the mix of being out in the field and making the project work.

“Out here, you’re seeing things change every day.”

Over the past 12 years Mark has worked on a wide variety of projects, including the refurbishment of Cathedral Square. He says seeing the end product is the most satisfying aspect of his work. “It’s knowing that you’ve contributed to a project.” Mark says he can see the potential for the project. “It’s good for the area and it’s good for the city.” He also acknowledges the rarity of a subdivision so close to built-up areas.

“Being part of something like this is pretty cool.”

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