‘Buildings still shabby’

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33413, 20 December 1973, Page 16

‘Buildings still shabby’

Preparations for the Commonwealth Games have paid insufficient attention to the appearance of several shabby buildings in central Christchurch, according to the Christchurch Civic Pride Committee.

The committee has supported the Commonwealth Games Decorations Committee in its efforts to make the

city look more attractive and has also sent a letter to several Christchurch firms. “We consider that it is not enough to look down at the litter at our feet, we must also look up at the buildings around us and think how some of them will appear to a visitor,” the letter says. “There is still time before the Commonwealth Games for some central buildings to brighten and clean-up their exterior facades and paint shop verandas,” it says. Many areas in the city could be transformed by some attention to the appearance of buildings, the committee feels.

“We think, for instance, of the area surrounding the Stewart Fountain and of several buildings to the east of the Bridge of Remembrance — which itself could do with a good clean up,” the letter (continues.

“We feel it is up to the owners of central buildings, and their sense of civic pride, to keep the appearance of the city up to standard. We have noted with satisfaction that the City Council has an-

nounced its intention to clean the city’s statues, and would like to see some similar housekeeping done for the Edmond’s Band Rotunda and its surroundings.” the letter says.