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Last modified: 01 Sep 2022 4:55pm

image of gardens in the sensory space, colourful drums and a shade sailSelwyn company Morgan and Pollard Landscapes has won one of the country’s top landscape awards for its work on the Sensory Space next door to Te Ara Ātea.

image of plants and pathways in the sensory spaceThe company won a Premier Award for the Best Construction Project of the Year at the 2022 Master Landscapers New Zealand Landscape Awards for its construction of the space in the new Rolleston Town Centre. It also won a Gold Medal for the best construction project over $100,000.

The Sensory Space is an area designed for residents of all physical abilities and neurodiversity. The area engages all the senses with a mix of water features, musical elements, seating, gardens, pathways and a pergola frame with space to hang art features.

Morgan and Pollard Managing Director Adam Pollard says his team thoroughly enjoyed the project and working alongside the Council's landscape architects.

"It's not often we get to work on such a large sensory space and it was one of those projects where we could provide a lot of input, from choosing the materials to placing the mosiacs, and finding all sorts of sensory items. We're delighted the judges felt the same way we did about this amazing project."

image of a pathway with raised fish and fishing motifs, a mosaic fountain feature, small grass hill and art poles in the sensory spaceThe space was designed with input from Waitaha School staff and pupils, and Barrier Free Trust and includes art from Selwyn primary school students, including painted tiles used in mosaics designed and crafted by Macs Mosaics.

Council Major Projects Manager Phil Millar says it was exciting to see the Sensory Space and the work that went into it so highly recognised.

“When we started planning this space, we really wanted it to be a very special area for the whole of Selwyn. Morgan and Pollard put a huge amount of work and care into bringing it to life. It’s been great to see these efforts reflected through the smiles on people’s faces and their enjoyment of the area. This award is another fantastic confirmation of the quality of the new town centre Sensory Space.