HOUSING AREA IN RICHMOND

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24370, 23 September 1944, Page 8

HOUSING AREA IN RICHMOND

PROVISION OF PARK PROPOSED

MINISTER’S STATEMENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Sept. 22. The provision of facilities in housing programmes for recreational and other social amenities was discussed to-day by the Minister of Works (the Hon. R, Semple), who said thst that aspect, so necessary for .the well-being of people, received most careful consideration by the department. Though every small group of State houses did not possess individual facilities. ample provision was made for all such requirements, where possible, under a zoning system, in which consideration was given not only to State housing, but all housing in an area concerned. The Minister said it would be of interest to citizens of Christchurch, and particularly residents of Richmond, to know that the Housing Department* subject to Government compensation, was seeking the co-operation of the City Council in an endeavour to retain for their use as a neighbourhood park, playground, and community centre, a splendid old home surrounded b£ four acres of tree-clothed ornamental grounds, a portion of one of the latest acquisitions for housing purposes, the total area being slightly more than 10 acres. This was formerly the home of Mr J. A. F'esher, one time Mayor of Christchurch.

Providing Breathing Spaces

The provision of such bresthing spaces was essential in the expansion of the city, even though Christchurch was already singularly fortunate in possessing such a magnificent park and reserve system. The Minister added that the department made every effort to retain trees and other features of aesthetic or intrinsic value in all housing schemes, especially if they could be incorporated in a reserve area. Though in this particular case a house was included in the proposals, thst action was considered warranted, not only to preserve a fine building so representative of a period of architecture in Canterbury. but also to provide the use of a building for fostering and encouraging social amenities and other community undertakings.

The question of the land being used for the purpose outlined by the Minister h'd been discussed between the Housing Department and the CMy Council on several occasions, said the Town Clerk (Mr H. S. Feast) yesterday.