The vision of a better Christchurch is slowly becoming a reality with several anchor projects beginning to take shape around the Central City. Currently, we are delivering the laneways project in the South Frame.
The laneways project consists of a series of gardens, pavements and public gathering spaces. It will eventually link the Innovation Precinct, Health Precinct and beyond. The look and feel of the laneways will reflect the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains.
We have been working in several Central City Blocks, and we have just started work on the block bordered by Manchester, Tuam, Colombo and St Asaph Streets, known to us as Block 18. We have been fortunate to establish a great working relationship with Team Hutchinson Ford who have generously agreed to share their driveway with our construction vehicles while our initial land remediation work takes place.
Unfortunately, while we undertake the initial site works, our set-up has seemingly engulfed Sudath Wijewardene with his pop up restaurant/food truck Ceylon Kitchen. Ceylon Kitchen has been serving Sri Lankan food to a growing number of Central City workers and has built a great customer base from consistently good customer service and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Despite our site being physically imposing, the enticing smells have been no match for the rumbling of the diggers and our crew’s bellies. In a show of neighbourly solidarity over several days this week, we have treated our staff to a hot lunch from Ceylon Kitchen. It has been the perfect midday winter warmer. While construction activity may have put some people off from dining at Ceylon Kitchen, Sudath has gained a dozen or so extra customers (each with an appetite to match!) to hopefully make up for it.
If you find yourself near the bus exchange around lunchtime, pop into Ceylon Kitchen and say hi to Sudath. He not only makes a mean curry, but is a champion margarine sculptor having recently won an award at the NZChefs National Salon. (If you don’t believe me, check out the pictures on the Ceylon Kitchen’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ceylonkitchennz) The Ceylon Kitchen Facebook page is updated regularly. Several times a week Sudath will post dinner time specials so if you are unable to make it in time for lunch, you can still enjoy some fantastic Sri Lankan food in the evening.
It’s our aim to be good neighbours to businesses and residents near our construction sites. We know that what we do can be disruptive and we want to work with our neighbours as much as we can to minimise this. Thank you Sudath for your patience while we undertake work next to Ceylon Kitchen. I’m pretty sure I can confidently say that you have made Block 18 a favourite amongst our crews.