NEW BUILDING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 207, 2 September 1938, Page 14

NEW BUILDING.

CIVIC PROPOSAL. ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK. JOINED TO TOWN wat.T, Plans for a new administrative building, estimated, with the acquisition of the necessary projierty, to cost £160,000, were placed before a meeting of the City Council last evening by the city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler. The Mayor, Sir Erhest Davis, referred to the present unsatisfactory conditions at the Town Hall, It was necessary, however, that something should be done as early as possible. The present conditions could only continue at the expense of efficiency and the position was known to all, also how thoroughly out-of-date the present building was. Mr. Tyler said the erection of an administrative block opposite the Town Hall, at the foot of Grey's Avenue, had been investigated, but a new proposal would be submitted. This was the joining of the proposed new building, four.storied and modern in design, to the present Town Hall building at the apex. It would necessitate diverting Grey's Avenue into Fergusson Street. It would cause the shifting of the Market Hotel, and some adjoining shops. An open space facing down Queen Street, 270 feet by 370 feet, would be provided in front, and there 10,000 or 12,000 people could be aftj&mbled. The new -building would provide 80.U00 square feet of space, harmonise with the Town Hall and in its layout provide amnle accommodation. Mr. Tyler added that a number of proposals had been discussed. It was desirable to have all the administrative staff jn one block. On the Mayor's motion the matter wa* referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.