Council has applied for resource consent to relocate the Boer War memorial from Baring Square East to Baring Square West, where it will sit with Ashburton’s other war memorials.

The proposed relocation is part of a $3 million project to rejuvenate Baring Square East and build a new one-way road and plaza linking to Council’s new library and civic building, Te Pataka a ka Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka.

Chief Executive Hamish Riach said resource consent was needed for the relocation as the memorial had heritage status in the District Plan. “That means the application has been prepared by an independent planner and has been publicly notified, so members of the community can have their say on the matter too.

“The new location will be different, but no less appropriate as Baring Square West is the home of other war memorials.”

The Boer War memorial was unveiled in 1903 to honour soldiers of the district that served in the conflict and it bears the names of six soldiers. It was previously relocated from its original site in the square in 1978.

Mr Riach said Council had already talked with the Ashburton RSA and the New Zealand Defence Force about how to ensure a sensitive relocation to Baring Square West, and they were comfortable with the project.

“Residents can read full details of the resource consent application online, or at Council’s main offices and make a submission by deadline on 11 November.”

Full details are at ashburtondc.govt.nz/home-and-property/planning-guidance-and-resource-consents/notifications