Spence Concept To Go Further

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30536, 3 September 1964, Page 16

Spence Concept To Go Further

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, September 3.

The special committee on Parliament Buildings this morning confirmed its earlier decision to complete its investigation of Sir Basil Spence’s concept for the new building, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) announced this afternoon.

Mr Holyoake said the committee had decided in April that Sir Basil Spence’s proposed design should be developed to the stage of sketch plans by the Government architect in consultation with Sir Basil Spence. "This morning the committee studied the Government Architect’s preliminary drawings on the likely internal layout of. the new building’s basic facilities and requirements within the Spence conception,” he said. “Members were agreed that these interim sketch studies showed the design to be an eminently practical proposition offering scope for development in further detail,” said Mr Holyoake. “However, there is still a great deal of work to be done and detail to be filled in. “Some Time* “It will be some time yet, probably early next year, before the sketch plans are completed. “Only then—and only after a full appraisal of all the factors involved—can a de-

cision be made by the committee and the Government on whether to proceed further with the Spence idea," he said. Mr Holyoake said committee members this morning made a number of suggestions which would now be incorporated by the Government Architect, and reviewed by him with Sir Basil Spence. “While the committee's discussions were concerned mainly with aspects of the internal arrangements, these and other considerations could result in further modifications of the external features before the sketch plans are completed,” said Mr Holyake. Full Sketch “After its discussions this morning the committee reaffirmed its decision to carry its studies through to the full sketch plan stage,” he said. This morning's meeting was attended by Mr Holyoake, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall), the Minister of Works (Mr Allen), the Speaker (Sir Ronald Algie), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nordmeyer), the Commissioner of Works (Mr J. T. Gilkison), and the Government Architect (Mr F. G. F. Sheppard).