City Square will be transformed into a magical Christmas forest and renamed Christmas Square during December, as the City of Melbourne releases details of its new look Christmas tree experience.
The new concept embraces the tradition of Christmas with up to 20 large, living hoop pines and a centrepiece Christmas tree, elegantly lit and decorated.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the new Christmas tree design would complement new Christmas decorations that would be installed on key landmark buildings around the municipality, including spellbinding light projections on the State Library and St Paul’s Cathedral.
“Our city will undergo a complete makeover this Christmas. We will have a brand new Nativity scene at Christmas Square, Santa’s House for Christmas photos, roving carollers and even a mistletoe bridge,” the Lord Mayor said.
“From Docklands to North Melbourne you will see our brand new decorations. Town Hall will be gift wrapped and we will have a Christmas tram to reflect the essence of Melbourne.”
“Christmas Square will be a complete sensory experience, allowing visitors to explore a magical Christmas forest right in the heart of Melbourne,” the Lord Mayor said.
The Lord Mayor said Council had decided on a change in direction for the new Christmas tree, with a much stronger focus on tradition.
“Earlier this year we announced plans to create a high tech Christmas Tree. Following strong public feedback and advice from our Retail Advisory Board we have decided to move away from this design and embrace a more traditional approach.”
“We are pleased with the sustainable option that allows the native pines to be recycled and planted across the municipality.
“Christmas will be a truly special time in Melbourne and I encourage families to bring in their kids and explore the decoration trail, taking in some of the city’s main thoroughfares and laneways.”
the Lord Mayor said.
Each tree at City Square will be fitted with light and sound devices and an irrigation system to keep the trees healthy. A nightly sound and light show specifically composed for Christmas in the city will run at 9.30pm and 11pm every night starting early December.
Installation of the new concept will commence in mid November and will take approximately two weeks to build. The design will be on display at City Square, corner of Swanston and Collins Streets, from Friday 2 December 2011 following official launch of the 2011 Christmas Festival.
The new City Square tree concept will cost the City of Melbourne $285,000, in keeping with the budget for the original tree. For more information please visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/christmas