Temporary County Offices

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30406, 3 April 1964, Page 12

Temporary County Offices

After more than 30 years in offices •in Manchester street, the Heathcote County Council will next month shift its administrative section to temporary premises within the county.

The council paid £3lOO at public auction recently for a 1200 sq. ft. dwelling at 12 Whersteade road, which is between Colombo street and Thorrington street, near the foot of Cashmere Hills. When minor alterations have been made, the house will be the headquarters of the council until its new administrative block and council chambers are ready in about three years. The chairman of the council (Mr J. C. Holliss) said yesterday that there were several reasons for the change. “It will be far more convenient for our ratepayers and there will be a consid-

erable saving in rent charges,” he said. “The house is close to our yards in Ashgrove terrace and will provide better working conditions for our staff. They will have a lot more room than they have at present.” Adequate parking facilities would be available for ratepayers, councillors and staff, said Mr Holliss. Areas around the house would b.e cleared and sealed. “The minor alterations we propose to make will improve the dwelling as a residence when we come to sell it after our new offices are com-

pleted,” he said. A wall dividing two rooms Will be removed to make provision for the temporary council chamber. Asked when a start would be made on . the council’s new premises, Mr Holliss said there would be some delay until ■ the amalgamation proposals with. Mount Herbert had been settled. “If amalgamation does take place, we will have to amend our plans to provide for bigger business,” said Mr Holliss. The council will shift in to its temporary premises next month.