WIDENING OF STREETS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25148, 1 April 1947, Page 3

WIDENING OF STREETS

SUGGESTED STUDY OF TRAFFIC GROWTH

A study of the growth of traffic over the whole city of Christchurch and the formulation of plans for street widening were suggested to the City Council by the housing and town planning committee last evening.

The committee made its suggestion when reporting on the proposal of the Civic Beautification Committee that Madras and Victoria streets should be widened, and that a civic centre should be made at the north end of Latimer square. The plans of the proposal were laid on the table for the information of councillors. There was a brief discussion; but the council reached no conclusion on the committee’s scheme.

The Civic Beautification Committee said Madras street would make an attractive entrance to the centre of the city from the railway station if it were widened and planned. It had fewer permanent buildings than other main streets. Victoria street was described as an eyesore and an unattractive entrance to the city. The proposal for the civic* centre was that Latimer square should be extended to the River Avon, and that’ the centre should include Government and municipal, offices and possibly a town hall, library and repertory theatre.