The Press WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1957. Support for Town Hall Proposal

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28397, 2 October 1957, Page 12

The Press WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1957. Support for Town Hall Proposal

Many Christchurch citizens have for long enough deplored the city’s lack of a town hall. The formation, on the initiative of the Progress League, of a town hall sponsoring committee now gives them the opportunity of doing something practical towards the attainment of their wish. Their efforts, supporting the modest progress already being made by the City Council, gives promise of a suitable building in the not too distant future. Interest will certainly quicken with the preparation of definite proposals, and the committee’s goal of £ 150,000 in three years is readily attainable. This amount, added to the available funds of the City Council, will not build a town hall of the kind that Christchurch should have. Mr J. L. Hay’s estimate of upwards of £500,000 seems fair if the building is to be an ornament to the city, and it should be. But the accumulation of a foundation fund will enable the City Council, citizens, and, perhaps, a wider metropolitan circle to begin planning a notable addition to the amenities of Christchurch.

Attention has naturally concentrated on the main auditorium of the proposed town hall because of the need

for some better place than King Edward Barracks for great civic, musical, and other events. Much more than this has to be considered. The town hall itself will probably be only one feature of an eventual civic centre, though the main feature; and it should fit into the ultimate plan. Other local and national organisations may wish to be housed in the centre. Other uses may require provision in the main block, adding to the initial outlay but contributing revenue to reduce the annual loss. The time taken to assemble the necessary finance can profitably be used to get the best possible advice on what the completed project should be like 25 or 50 years hence. In that way nothing done in the nearer future need be wasted. At some stage an international competition for the design and lay-out of the civic centre should be considered. Where so much money is to be spent, the city should make sure it gets good value, and, if possible, a town hall that will give some return on the investment. In another three years the City Council and the committee will know better whether the time is then opportune to make an immediate start on the project; and they should know how best to tackle it.