Council can’t build hostel — Minister

Press, 8 November 1978, Page 6

Council can’t build hostel — Minister

The Christchurch City Council may have to promote a local bill to get power to build a sports hostel at Queen Elizabeth II Park.

The Minister of Local Government (Mr Higher) has told the council there is no authority under the Municiral Corporations Act for >cal bodies to build such facilities. Even though a proposed gymnasium could go ahead, a hostel would require special legislation or an amendment to existing laws. “This is sad news,” said the chairman of the parks' end recreation committee (Cr P. N. G. Blaxail) yesterday. "I still feel this is a most important addition to. Improve use of the park.” Another park attraction, a rew stage being built for outdoor concerts, may be made even more attractive by allowing free parking in the grounds. The first of this season’s big concerts will be later this month. When service clubs man the car parks for such events, they charge a fee and use of the off-street space decreases. The committee said the council should be able to negotiate a maximum donation of $5OO an event for these clubs. That would make the offstreet parks free for those who have already paid for expensive tickets. The council would try to recover the donation from concert promoters. Free parking may reduce the usual parking congestion in nearby streets. Bexley playground? A temporary children’s! playground may be established and provided with equipment in the general area of the future Bexley buffer reserve next to the

planned industrial park in, Bexley Road. The director oi parks and recreation (Mr H. G. Gilpin) said the playground could be "something simple and quick.” Cr Noala Massey said it would be pointless to wait for a playground unti' industrial development was started “because by that time the children will be gone.” A temporary playground would fill the need until permanent arrangements were made for the buffer park. I se of halls Greater use of suburban public halls, some of which are idle much of the time, , may be encouraged by the council. A test case could be the Coronation Hall in Domain Terrace, Spreydon. Cr R. Lester said such halls could be used for recreation activities and “give everyone an opportunity to ! participate in our programmes.” Cr Massey said a similar plea could be made for use of the North Beach hall. Games, after-school activi- ; ties, meetings, and club activities would be encouraged. The cost of work needed on the first hall will be studied. Pavilion talks More meetings will be held with the gydenham Cricket Club on its proposal to extend the Sydenham Park pavilion. The appli--1 cation was strongly opposed , by planners and the parks department because of ’he open space it would take and possible parking problems. But Mr Gilpin said the attitude might be different if

i the building could be extended upward instead of intc I the park. i Cr Lester said, “I am sure > we are all concerned that we I don’t want a booze barn on the park.” But women’s changing rooms, at least would benefit the community. Mr Gilpin said the present . proposal would mean losing > a hockey field. i Councillors said that a ! proposal to have the council pay for a new United Pav- - ilion in South Hagley Park should be declined. Other clubs leasing reserve land had spent large , i sums to provide improved ,' facilities. It was not council policy to finance them from j rates. Parking on grass Council engineers may be i asked to provide a new -'grassed bank along the Har- > per Avenue side of Little > Hagley Park to prevent - 1 more damage from cars illegally parked there. r Some councillors said a } , physical barrier, perhaps ' { made of logs, was needed to . keep out the cars. Others , i said more strict enforcement of the parking ban was . needed as a deterrent. ,1 Cr Lester said there was " i also a problem of parking on the grass at some suburban reserves. Play area I; Land at the rear of the i new Pioneer Sports Stadium - in Centennial Park should be I used for a children’s' play- ; ground and picnic site, said > the committee. ? A cost estimate will also - be obtained for a full-size tennis court and a smaller ■ platform court on land ’ behind the play centre.