Shirley centre starts with fair

Press, 31 October 1977, Page 7

Shirley centre starts with fair

Government approval in principle has been given for the old Shirley Primary School to be used as a community centre. The decision has been greeted with delight by the Shirley Community Centre Society, which has been lobbying for rights to the old school — at the corner of Shirley Road and Slater Street. The old school site has been set aside as a reserve for community purposes, and tne Christchurch Citv C B urc ,’; has been appointed officially to control and manage it. Tne Minister of Lands (Mr v. S. Young) had said this will allow the land and. buildings on the site to be available as a community centre, and the council to oe legate day-to-day' management to the society. The council could assume control of the school site immediately. Several local organisations have said they will use the old school buildings, and a skateboard area and adventure playground are planned already. The secretary of the society (Mrs Beryl Dutton) said her group was delighted ■with the decision. It would give the area a focal point, and would be much appreciated by the locals. The City Council has promised §13,800 towards the community' centre — on the condition that the

society raises $5250. The combined funds will go towards structural improvements, heating, a ramp for wheelchairs, rewiring and general alterations. To raise its share of this money, the society will hold a fair today at the old school. The television personalities, Rodney Bryant and David McPhail, will be there — along with stalls, children’s attractions, displays of antique dolls, a miniature zoo, and performances by the Christchurch Metropolitan Highland Pipe Band.