The Gap Filler Project is something I mentioned earlier in another blog, which started out after the 2010 earthquakes; an initiative to use vacant spaces and sites for the community to use. When I arrived in Christchurch I signed up to get updates and hear what was going on and when, and if I could be involved.
Countless times I said to myself “I should go and help out at that!” but didn’t. Then I heard about the Pallet Pavilion.
There was a large site given to Gap Filler from the Council for the summer period to use for a project. The site was a former hotel: The Crowne Plaza:
This was the hotel site not long after it got cordoned off after the earthquake. I think it was a bit of an ugly building to be honest.
The idea behind the Pallet Pavilion came from an architect in Auckland (I think!) who envisaged this structure being used as a social space for people in the community to come and sit, and have events. It was a pretty awesome vision. There was a massive drive for volunteers, and people turned out in there hundreds. I only managed to help out on three occasions, but wished I could have done more.
Early one Saturday morning in November I went down to the site. It was a boiling hot day. I was given a high visibility jacket, boots and a hard hat, and set to work. The job of the day was to dig up the gravel on the ground to a certain height, so that it could later be levelled off, so the pallets could sit on them.
We worked solidly for 3 hours (with a small tea break). It was exhausting, but great fun. It was good to meet other volunteers too; some of whom were other travellers keen to lend a hand.
Trying to look good in high vis gear on a building site.
This video was taken on my first day on the site.
For the other days I helped out, I spent time taking the gravel that I had dug up from the space into wheelbarrows and over to the dumping site. My second visit was after work, and I only spent 2 hours there, but it was amazing to see the difference that was made in just one week.
For the final time of volunteering, my flatmate joined me. This was two weeks on from when I first came, and I was amazed at the progress. All the pallets were laid on the ground to walk on, and we spent time helping set up the irrigation system for the plants.
The opening night was early December, and Pallet Pavilion held a special BBQ for all the volunteers. I am sure not everyone that volunteered was there, but there was a fair amount of us. It was great to hear from the people that had been on site everyday and to see the finished project.
Fast forward a few months, and the Pavilion has been in full swing with regular events and happenings. It has become like a normal venue for people. I regularly hear in conversation “such and such is happening at the Pavilion tonight, are you coming.”
I really haven’t been to that many events at it, which is shameful to say really.
A month or so ago I went along to the Vintage Twilight Market, which was happening every two weeks on a Friday. It was pretty cute; loads of little stalls of crafty things, as well as really out there retro items.
A busy evening at the market
Retro!
Just as we were leaving, I was stopped and asked if I wanted to buy a $2 raffle ticket to support Breast Cancer. I did. It was a good decision. I won a whole load of things as prizes, including an amazing chocolate cake from a Company called Cakes by Anna.
My raffle prize: a hair clip made out of a measuring tape, pearl necklace, another necklace, clip on earrings, peg magnets and a cake. Not bad for $2.
I think the Pallet Pavilion is due to come down at the end of April, which is sad … but it was only meant to be a summer project, and from what I gather they spend a lot of money on 24/7 security (due to fire risk mainly), and I guess also the council will want to use the land for a more permanent building. It has been an amazing project to be involved in. I never thought I would have done any building work, or have been sat on chairs made from crates. So innovative and wonderful.
Thank-you Gap Filler.
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