Bid to halt commercial encroachment

Press, 7 June 1980, Page 7

Bid to halt commercial encroachment

A meeting of the Inner City Operation Neighbourhood group in Christchurch has decided to support the residential nature of the western inner-city area, and to discourage commercial encroachment. The Rev. J. Roberts, who chaired the meeting, said that the group had decided to private and group submissions to the Christchurch District Scheme. The group would oppose the purchase of a block of land in the : •'a by the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and would also oppose the classification of some areas as commercial C. • Mr Roberts said that the group did not mind offices in houses, provided a residential component was retained. It was opposed to areas being concreted over for car-parks, and wanted traffic discouraged from the area. The meeting also considered a report on the old Normal School. Mr Roberts said that a letter would be sent to the Gov-

eminent. expressing disappointment about the way the issue had been' handled over the last 15 years. A small demonstration would be arranged when the building was demolished, and a group would be set up to ensure that Cranmer Square retained its. character, Mr Roberts said. The neighbourhood group has also organised a street walk. round the area, which will start from Cranmer Square on Sunday at 2 p.m. The tour will be led by Mr J. N. Mane, a lecturer in art history at the University of Canterbury.