FUTURE OF WIGRAM

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28539, 19 March 1958, Page 11

FUTURE OF WIGRAM

Use As Reserve Proposed

Christchurch, unlike most other cities, had no natural barriers to building; in Christchurch buildings could go on and on. Mid Mt W L. F. Utley at a meeting of the Christchurch Regional Planning Authority yesterday, when the uae of part of Wlgratn aerodrome for housing waa discussed.

Both the Minister of Defence <Mr Connolly) and the Minister of Housing (Mr Fox) had mentioned schemes to develop part of the aerodrome for housing, said Mr J. I. Colligan. At present the area was in the rural zone, would it mean that it would have to come Into the urban zone and that some other area would have to be excluded?

Surely Wigram was a good area to leave as a reserve, said Mr Utley.

Some of the land had been given by Sir Hetiry Wlgratn as an encouragement to aviation. Dr. G. Jobberns said. _ That land should be retained as a reserve. The chairman (Mr W. P. Glue) said the land Was ideal tor housing development, it would save a lot of expense In sewerage. By the same taken, It . would save a lot of expense If Hagley Park Was built on, commented Mr R. A. Witbrock. That Was insufficient argument against a reserve. Miss N. Northcroft, the regional planning officer, explained that the area was zoned aa rural In the planning scheme now with the Ministry of Works. If the Minister Wanted the land for housing he Would object to the scheme and ask for Its inclusion in the urban zone. Logically, on the distribution of population, some other area should be excluded, but It was not a big area Involved and an adjustment could