This interesting image popped up on twitter today showing an earlier plan for the area behind the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
It looks like it would have been a fairly grand boulevard to complement the museum but it obviously never happened. This is how it currently looks.
I’m not sure how realistic that is, given it would largely destroy the ridgeline on the left – given that the Domain is an old volcanic crater, I can’t see that being considered best practice in modern times.
Actually, the original original plan was even more grandiose than that – public squares, fountains, all leading down into Newmarket. Would have been tremendous. You can tell this is a more contemporary visual by the modern buildings in the forefront.
That sounds rather splendid.
Do you have a link or pictures of the original original plan?
It could have been an idea.. but they buried a reservoir, just on the south side of the Museum. Google search for “Auckland Domain Resvervior” or see >> http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/images/photos/ACCf/580-557.jpg
Well I never. Is that still there, or has it been replaced by the underground carpark under the extension?
Still there. Auckland Council GIS shows a large blue square. http://maps.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklandcouncilviewer/
You might even be able to walk to the museum safely if they had done this.
I think it was the trend du jour for War Memorials to have large planned boulevards leading to them,
It was planned that Wellington would have one stretching from Buckle Street down to Courtenay Place
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/25735/national-war-memorial
@greenwelly. In a way Wellington does have a grand boulevard leading from the War Memorial – it’s called Karo Drive aka SH1 to the west (is even tree lined just like your plans).
The lawn north of the cenotaph seems to have unusual parch marks on it in aerial photos. It doesn’t seem like there’s a reservoir there though, and the marks are visible in 1940 photos, before the army camp was there. Was that going to be an entry road as well maybe?
Trying to find a concept drawing of a boulevard on the north side below the cenotaph falling down the hill to domain drive.cypress trees lining it with a number of side adjuncts which could carry statues or minor memorials. Don,t know where I saw it can anyone shed some light
I found a pic of what was planned for the north side. I’m assuming they started it but didn’t finish.
Personally i like the existing lawn the way it is.
http://www.mikelee.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Court-of-Memories-concept-1934.jpg