Marquee to be replaced?

Press, 2 August 1977, Page 5

Marquee to be replaced?

A marquee erected in Cathedral Square from time to time by charitable organisations running stalls will either be tidied up or replaced. The Christchurch City Council’s health and general committee has considered the possibility of a permanent kiosk. The City Engineer (Mr P. G. Scoular) and a staff architect (Mr A. W. Thorpe) say that a permanent building is not the answer. It would be “vandalprone,” a target for posters, and a maintenance problem, Mr Scoular said. It might be the beginning of “overfurnishing” the Square, reducing the amount of free space for open-air activities. Mr Thorpe said that a kiosk would not be in keeping with the aesthetics of the Square, especially on the

proposed site—where the marquee is now. The marquee frequently presented a most unattractive appearance, and a suggestion had been made that some ■ form of permanent structure could be provided for charitl able organisations running • stalls in the Square, said Cr Newton Dodge, in his report. The roof of the marquee ■ had faded, and the sides were a little dirty. If a suiti able cleaning material could not be found, a new marquee • could be made. , Mr Scoular said that , temporary stalls with canvas : awnings did not impose upon - the scene, but added to it, as - did a colourful marquee that : was maintained satisfactorily. The committee will coni sider the feasibility and cost • of some relocatable strucj ture, a more permanent type > of building.