Freyberg Place facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Freyberg Place |
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Freyberg Place in 2012 (pre-renovation), looking toward the Metropolis building
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| Type | Town square |
| Location | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Created | 1946 |
| Operated by | Auckland Council |
Freyberg Place, also known as Freyberg Square, is a cool little public space in Auckland, New Zealand. It's named after a very important person, Baron Freyberg. He was a famous soldier and the first Governor-General of New Zealand who grew up in New Zealand. A Governor-General is like the Queen's representative in a country.
Contents
The Story of Freyberg Place
Freyberg Place first opened its doors in 1946. It was a good choice to name it after Baron Freyberg. Why? Because the square is quite small, and Baron Freyberg's nickname was "Tiny"!
Modern Makeover: What's New?
The square got a big update, costing about $4 million. It reopened on September 15, 2017. Now, you can see a beautiful pohutukawa tree there. There are also some nikau palms and many concrete steps. These steps are great for sitting and relaxing.
Art and History in the Square
In the middle of the square, there's a special fountain. You'll also find a statue of Baron Freyberg. He's shown wearing his uniform from World War 2.
Roads and Walking Spaces
After the big renovation, the road that used to go through the square changed. It became a shared space. This means cars, bikes, and people all share the same area. Later, in 2018, people suggested making it a pedestrian mall. This would mean only emergency vehicles could drive there.
What's Around Freyberg Place?
Freyberg Place is located right in the middle of Auckland's city centre. It sits between High Street and O'Connell Street. The "CBD" stands for Central Business District, which is the main part of the city.
Nearby Buildings and Squares
It's right next to another public space called Chancery Square. Freyberg Place also acts as the front yard for the Ellen Melville Centre. This centre opened in 1962. On the other side of the square, you can see the tall Metropolis building.
