Opawa Eyesore

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30825, 10 August 1965, Page 14

Opawa Eyesore

Sir,—lt is a real disgrace for the Christchurch City Council to erect a prefabricated structure on the banks of the Heathcote river by the Opawa bridge. This is an eyesore for the district and for residents who strive to keep the council’s river bank in a presentable condition. It seems the council has a law to itself, erecting structures of this nature where they please. 1 feel they should have more consideration for the residents of the area. What about the town planners? Surely they would not approve of this. Could not a better site be found for this building, where it could be placed for the betterment of all?—Yours, etc., ANGRY RATEPAYER.

July 28, 1965. [The chairman of the library committee of the Christchurch City Council (Cr. H G. Hay) replies: “The present appearance of the building to be temporarily used as a children’s library in Opawa is admittedly not very appealing, but the job is only half completed and ‘Angry Ratepayer’ can be assured that a considerable improvement will be apparent by the time the building is painted, the ground landscaped, and a path laid out. When deciding on the present site it was considered that when the building was suitably renovated and the land around it attractively laid but, the appearance of the river bank in this vicinity would be decidedly improved on its present poor state. The provision of increased library facilities for children in Opawa is long overdue and the river-bank site was selected after very careful consideration and because of its ready availability and proximity to both the existing Opawa Library and footbridge. However, it is emphasised that the present action is only a temporary measure, as the council’s intention is ultimately to rebuild the existing library, including a children’s section, on its present site, when funds are available and more urgent claims from other districts have been satisfied.”]