RIVERLAW TCE HOUSING PLAN A VILLAGE IN MINIATURE

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32589, 24 April 1971, Page 1

RIVERLAW TCE HOUSING PLAN A VILLAGE IN MINIATURE

A new concept in Christchurch suburban housing is planned on a site of three acres off Riverlaw Terrace in St Martins. Fifty-nine houses will be built there on sections ranging from t three to 10 perches. J .

A private stream, fountain, waterfall, and playground with a creche next to the single shop, are features of the village in miniature, to be called Willowbridge. “We own the land, and building will begin this year,” said the manager of Christchurch Estates, Ltd (Mr T. W. Lucas), yesterday. “The project will involve from $BOO,OOO to sltn, depending on the number and the individual size of the various types of . houses. There will be more than 60 homes eventually.” Mr Lucas said that there would be 19 three-bed-room houses and 17 twobedroom ones, 13 twobedroom fiats, and 10 single bedroom ones. “The local authorities have been most co-operative and helpful in the planning stages. Which have gone on for a year now,”

he said. “It is possible that the project could get under way within three months.”

The aim had been to achieve a vertical slice of society living in the “village,” Mr Lucas said. The homes were suitable for retired couples, small families, working couples and young and old single persons. It would be the first type of suburban planning in Christchurch offering a choice lying between a house on a big section and home-ownership fiats, he said. All the services were within easy reach of the site, and the project would integrate well with the St Martins suburb. Most of the houses and. flats will be two-storeyed, and all will be built of concrete block or brick veneer. The houses will be grouped in cul-de-sacs, with archway entrances and broad, car-pedestrian paved accessways.

The main entrance will be from Riveriaw Terrace, with pedestrian paths from other roads. Water from the Heathcote River wilt be pumped up to the private stream to run under car and footbridges, with a shallow ford for cars also, to wind through the village to a central, grassed area of common land. The water will be used in a fountain in this area, to be planted with grown trees, and will return to the river by a small waterfall. “The homes will cost only a little more than the usual home-ownership flats,” Mr Lucas said. “The whole concept is to break up rigid lines of houses, and the uniformity of most housing projects. "Every house and flat will be soundproofed; many will have a reasonably sized garden for flowers and vegetables, and all are to be built so that privacy is equal to that

enjoyed in the usual house on a section. Each

property will have its own title,” Mr Lucas

said. The project has been drawn by Beaven, Hunt and Associates who will de-

sign the houses and flats. The artist’s impression shown is also by Beaven, Hunt and Associates.