$750,000 park plan approved

Press, 19 October 1976, Page 1

$750,000 park plan approved

A $750,000 sports stadium in Centennial Park was approved by the Christchurch City Council last evening in spite of some Labour complaints that the financial proposals are too vague. Cr David Caygill said he was not convinced that the cash in lieu of reserves account — a possible source of money — should be completely drained for two years or more to pay for the project.

The intention to hold spending to $750,000 was “a crazy sort of resolution,” he added, “and it will cost at least SIM by the time that building is up.” But other councillors said it was time for a decision, even though some still favoured a swimming pool as a

first priority in South Christchurch.

“We need a decision, one way or the other,” Cr John Bum said. Cr Bruce Britten said it was nonsense to argue that the council was playing politics in pushing the stadium plan. There was some debate on whether the council was honouring a long-standing recreational commitment to the area, or a Citizens Association election mandate. Sir Robert Macfarlane said it was strange for Rowley and Hillmorton residents to say the Centennial Park stadium would not serve their neighbourhoods.

I don’t think it’s any argument at all that they can’t take advantage of these facilities. They can — it’s ridiculous to say otherwise.