Civic Development AUCKLAND’S EXAMPLE FOR CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29273, 3 August 1960, Page 12

Civic Development AUCKLAND’S EXAMPLE FOR CHRISTCHURCH

(Specially written tor “The Press" by J. L. HAY]

For health reasons I have for the last month or two been living in the milder climate of the North Island, where I have been deeply conscious of the terrific expansion which is taking place in this part of the country. In particular, through reading the Auckland papers. I have been greatly impressed with what is going on in that city by way of civic development. Gigantic schemes are afoot, such as the building of major arterial motorways, offstreet car parks and car parking buildings, development of a magnificent civic centre, and a spate of miniature skyscraper buildings to be erected in the next year or two.

Last week I was in Auckland and spent a most stimulating hour with the Chief City Engineer, Mr A. J. Dickson, who is the spearhead of a team of forward-think-ing city-employed engineers, architects, and town planners, whose exciting plans, which are almost frightening in their boldness, will revolutionise the heart of Auckland city over the next 10 years.

Superb Civic Centre Plan The Auckland City Council is not content with the status quo and realises that unless far-reach-ing decisions are made now and resolute action taken, the heart of the city may languish and decay, as has been the case particularly in many cities in America. Mr Dickson’s and the chief architect’s rooms are full of plans and models of all kinds, showing in graphic form what is planned for the next 10 years. I was particularly impressed with their bold conception of a civic centre. Around the existing Town Hall and in close co-opera-tion with the Government there will be erected over the next few years a group of buildings surrounding a large open space which will express in a most striking way the dignity and importance of the civic government of Auckland city. Already, as part of this great conception, there is in existence an immense 12-storey Government department building, and another similar building is already planned in the vicinity. In the precincts of the present Town Hall there will soon be erected a 17-storey civie administration building costing £1,250,000 for which a loan is being floated at the present time. The plan also provides for the erection of a large civic auditorium—which is in addition to the existing Town Hall and concert chamber. Other large commercial buildings are planned in the precincts of the civic square, for like always attracts like. A recent supplement issued by the “New Zealand Herald” shows how these new buildings are going to change the face of Auckland city and preserve its heart against the challenge of suburban development

Acquisition Of Property I suggested to Mr Dickson that to carry out the ambitious plans the civic authorities have for their civic square, many individuals and

businesses are going to be inconvenienced quite seriously by the compulsory taking over of property. He agreed that this was so, but the council’s view was that the public interest was paramount. I understand that on one stretch of motorway at present being erected about 400 houses will have to be removed.

I think Christchurch can learn a lot from what Auckland is doing. I have repeatedly said that in order to resolve beyond any doubt the siting of the town hall, a long-term plan should be prepared and a model made showing clearly why tile acquisition of the whole of the library site is so necessary for its fulfilment. This will never be done until the City Council appoints either a highly skilled architect or a town planner whose sole job for the next year or two would be to evolve such a plan. Surely a major civic issue such as the development of a town hall and civic centre justifies the early appointment and undivided attention of such a person who, in due course, would give councillors and the public generally a much clearer picture of what is ultimately envisaged in the civic centre of Christchurch. We have already seen in Christchurch's magnificent airport building what can be done when a man is chosen and dedicated tb a job.