After six months of temporary removal, the bronze statue of world champion boxer Bob Fitzsimmons has been restored to its plinth at Timaru's Strathallan Corner. The statue was relocated back to the site on Friday morning as part of the ongoing $1.6 million redevelopment project of the central public area, though city officials have indicated that further delays to the project's completion are likely.
The statue, which honors one of Timaru's most celebrated athletes, was originally removed in April to accommodate construction work on the major redevelopment initiative. Created by artist Margriet Windhausen, the bronze sculpture was generously donated to the people of Timaru by Sir Robert Jones in 1987 and was officially unveiled at the location by Prime Minister David Lange.
While the statue has been returned to its position, the Timaru District Council confirmed that the bluestone surrounding the plinth will be reinstated at a later date. The project, which was initially scheduled for completion by July, has faced multiple setbacks. In July, Andrew Dixon, the council's general manager of assets and infrastructure, acknowledged that the original timeline had been "a little optimistic."
Dixon explained on Friday that the majority of components for the redevelopment project are being locally sourced and manufactured, including the pavers, handrails, and some of the plantings. "We're just waiting on a number of those to be completed so we can put the final touches on the square," he stated. "While we aim to have the project completed by the end of November, it could take slightly longer due to manufacturing delays and space constraints for installation."
The development has become what officials describe as a long-running saga, with significant criticism of the project management. In August, the council's chief executive Nigel Trainor called for a comprehensive review of the redevelopment process, describing it as "a fundamental lesson in how not to do a project." The project's handling has drawn scrutiny from both officials and community members.
Controversy also emerged in September regarding whether Fitzsimmons' statue should remain at its current location. Some suggested that the council consider relocating the monument from the central business district to Aorangi Park. This proposal struck a nerve with some community members, while others expressed concern that the statue might be overshadowed or lost within the new design of Strathallan Corner.
Bob Fitzsimmons rose from humble beginnings as a blacksmith to achieve extraordinary success in the boxing world. He made history in the early 1900s by becoming the first boxer ever to win world titles in three different weight divisions: middleweight, heavyweight, and light-heavyweight. His unconventional fighting style, remarkable endurance, and powerful fists earned him international recognition and secured his place among boxing's greatest legends.
The bronze statue at Strathallan Corner serves as a tribute to Fitzsimmons' remarkable legacy and his connection to Timaru. Several other locations in the city hold significance in his life story, including his birthplace where Environment Canterbury now stands, and his brother's smithy where he worked, which was located near the corner of Stafford and Canon streets. The statue has long served as a beloved local landmark, drawing visitors and boxing enthusiasts from around the world.
Fitzsimmons' contributions to sports were formally recognized when he was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, cementing his status as a national treasure. As the redevelopment of Strathallan Corner continues, the return of his statue represents an important step in preserving this connection to Timaru's sporting heritage, despite the ongoing challenges facing the broader construction project.
