Square expands Rocky theme

An artist's impression of how Riff Raff Square will look when its redevelopment is complete.

The first stage of the revitalisation of Embassy Park got underway this week and will be finished in time for the city's 150th anniversary celebrations next month.

The redevelopment of the park - also known as Riff Raff Square - is being driven by the Embassy Park Working Group that was formed last year and operates under the auspices of the Riff Raff Public Art Trust.

Stage one will see an extensive mural painted on the wall behind the Riff Raff statue and sculptural metal elements added around gas meters. Both will be worked into the Rocky Horror theme.

Trust chairman Mark Servian said the existing toilets will be "encased in mesh akin to stylised a building site" and the pergola and trees within the square will be removed and seating installed.

Artist Jeremy Shirley is tasked with painting the mural while metal sculptor Marti Wong's will create the gas box coverings. Stage two of the redevelopment will see another of Marti's creations - a large metal chandelier - suspended above the park. "This is effectively what you'd describe as the 'spruce up' stage of the redevelopment," said Mark.

The balance of the work, which will involve significant earthworks, is likely to get started early in the new year. It will see the commission of a proscenium arch that will frame the view of the Waikato River and reflect the Rocky Horror stage show. Themed planters and Marti Wong's chandelier will be installed, detailed landscaping will be completed and the toilets will be replaced and moved elsewhere.

The toilet block and storage for deck chairs is likely to be housed in a cargo container, along the lines of those utilised in Christchurch's CBD after the earthquakes.

Mark said "the ultimate goal is for the space to be quite interactive... it will light up in different areas when you move around". He is also hoping there will be semi-permanent protection so movies can be screened in the space.

The core of the design concepts came from initial consultation and brain storming with Australian urban design expert David Engwicht, central city retailers, the public, and vagrants who frequent the square.

The work will be completed in time for the city's 150th anniversary party and Riff Raff's 10th birthday celebrations on November 22. Immediately after the city's birthday party, Rocky Horror Picture Show creator Richard O'Brien will lead a "mass timewarp" in the square from 10-11pm. A Rocky Horror-themed after party will be held at Hood Street bars from 11pm. Organisers are encouraging participants to dress in Rocky Horror costume.