Six trees will be removed – three on either side of Feldwick Gates – and the entrance to Queens Park will receive a facelift.

Parts of the felled trees will be retained and reused where possible within Queens Park, possibly as sculptures.

The beautification project was approved by the Invercargill City Council's infrastructure services committee on Tuesday (June 7).

The Feldwick Gates area features towering macrocarpas older than most residents, a grand gateway, and a splendid avenue. 

Councillors voted to give the Feldwick Gates area a facelift, prompted by the need to remove some of the macrocarpas framing the gates because they have been assessed as dangerous. 

Interim parks and recreation manager Michele Frey said staff had been closely monitoring the trees for some time and had commissioned the assessment by specialists in 2019. 

“Sadly, some of those grand old dames need to be removed because they have become dangerous. We know that Invercargill residents of all ages love visiting Queens Park, and the Feldwick Gates entrance is instantly recognisable with the lines of macrocarpa trees on either side. 

“Rather than simply undertaking the removal work, leaving a reminder of the loss of the trees, staff have commissioned a landscaping plan which will bring new life to the entrance," she said.

Carparks in front of the gates will be removed to allow for paving, lighting, seating, new gardens and trees.

“This new plan will allow us to recognise the important heritage and significance of the gates, while increasing ease of access and enjoyment for pedestrians entering the park,” Ms Frey said.