The Moller Park Memorial Arch at Ravensbourne was demolished yesterday. A new memorial has been established near the Ravensbourne Boating Club.
West Harbour Community Board deputy chairman Trevor Johnson said the arch had sparked significant road safety concerns and the outcome was a ‘‘win-win’’ for everyone.
Thanks to "great support" from Ravensdown, which operates the nearby fertiliser works, there would be little cost to ratepayers in the changes, Mr Johnson said.
Dunedin city councillors last year approved a proposal to demolish the arch, replacing it with the new memorial.
The arch was built in 1937 to recognise the achievements of Ravensbourne mayor, councillor and Otago Harbour Board member Hagbarth Ernest Moller (1870-1936).
Mr Johnston said the Moller family had been consulted and had approved the changes, and many people would be able to see the new memorial.
There were "mixed feelings" when any memorial was replaced, but this change would significantly improve road safety at the exit from Moller Park and from the Ravensdown fertiliser works.
There was limited visibility at the arch both for motorists driving through it and those approaching on the highway.
It had also been harder for trucks to turn on to the highway, and some had had to cross to the wrong side of the highway to do so, he said.
The ODT reported, last April, that Ravensdown had offered to pay the estimated $25,468 to demolish the arch and make good the site.
