The former CTV building site has been transformed into a memorial garden. Family and friends of those who were lost in the building on February 22 2011 gathered to see it blessed, and to remember their loved ones. / CTV
Three empty car parks with the faded CTV outline are part of a new memorial to remember the 115 people who died there seven years ago. In the middle sits a pile of river stones – each with a name of someone killed.
On February 22 every year, families, friendsand survivors meet at the CTV site to remember loved ones who were killed there.
And on the seventh anniversary of the tragedy, they will have a newly landscaped site to honour those who died.
Stones with the names of those who perished in the CTV Building are on the site. Photo / Martin Hunter
The site, on the corner of Madras and Cashel Sts, has been transformed into a peaceful memorial to honour the 115 people killed when the building collapsed during the February 2011 earthquake.
Ms Jackson said the new memorial, which incorporates part of the building's foundations, would be a nice place to visit and reflect.
"The trees are beautiful, I think that's lovely."
Part of the site is grassed and natives, flowers and cherry blossom trees are planted in the middle.
Maryanne hold the stone with her former colleague Murray Wood on it. Photo / Martin Hunter
There is a water feature and a place where flowers and mementos can be put.
Three car parks remain on the memorial site next to where the regional television station's entrance used to be. The faded, painted outline of CTV appears on each.
In the middle sits a pile of river stones – each with a name of someone who died there.
Ms Jackson said every year, a group of CTV colleagues, families and friends met at the site.
"We could pick up a stone and talk about that person and say a few funny things about them and the good times we had together."
She said those lost would never be forgotten.
"We will always remember them. They were doing their jobs. They were all very creative and talented people who were passionate about CTV. They all enjoyed working there – we all did. We were like a family."
