Central University Properties

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30055, 13 February 1963, Page 12

Central University Properties

The public should welcome > the assurance by the Vice-j Chancellor (Dr. L. L.l Pownall) that the disposals of Canterbury University’s assets in central Christchurch will be “considered! “ well before the major “ move to Ham ”. For years university planning in Christchurch has been concentrated upon the transfer to the Ilam campus. At present the Canterbury University authorities are working under very heavy pressure to complete critical phases of these plans. Once this pressure has been relieved, there will remain the almost equally important task of planning the future of the central properties. The extent of these properties was indicated strikingly by an aerial photograph printed in “The “ Press ” on Saturday; but even this photograph did not include other nearby buildings the Warwick House hostel, for instance —that are occupied for university purposes. Canterbury University owns only its main teaching block and the Rolleston House properties: the rest are leased either from the Crown or from private owners. However, the university plainly is the dominant user of a big area of valuable land to the

immediate west of the central city; and therefore the university council will play a vital part in the future development of this area. Many of the buildings concerned have outlasted their economic life; but on the Worcester street campus is a complex of solid structures that, freed from the existing clutter of so-called temporary buildings, could grace the city indefinitely if properly maintained. In these buildings could be created a cultural centre -within which the university might make an increasingly fruitful contribution to civic life. It is a long time since the concept of a “ university “precinct” in the western central area was seriously canvassed; yet something may still be done to salvage this ideal. Already some important departments of the university have been moved to Ilam; others will follow in the foreseeable future. The stage must shortly be reached, in spite of increased enrolments and research demands, when at least some of the central properties will be redundant for university purposes. It would be tragic to lose through inadequate preparation such an opportunity for worth-while development in this delightful corner of the central city.