Another preservation campaign

Press, 18 July 1980, Page 10

Another preservation campaign

The Canterbury Public Library has graced the bank of the Avon River for more than a century. It has worn well and served its purpose admirably until the last few years. To modern eyes its appearance is quaint rather than particularly attractive. The library offers a reminder of earlier, and less obtrusive times, especially now that on two sides its neighbours are concrete giants. Small wonder- is it that many Christchurch people might like to see the building preserved, and some might even be prepared to pay a little towards such a scheme once the library moves to its new quarters in about two years. Those who want to insist that the old library be preserved will have to demonstrate, however, not only what it might be used for and who would pay to maintain it, but also where the Christchurch City Council and city ratepayers can find the half million dollars which the sale of the old library is expected to contribute to the $5.5 million cost of the new library.

The area within the loop of the Avon River is rich in buildings which seem worth preservation. The old University has survived as the Arts Centre and promises to become a valuable amenity. The Provincial Council Buildings are safe; an attempt is under way to save and restore the old Normal School in Cranmer Square; the fate of Christchurch Girls’ High School remains to be decided. Preservation of these, buildings, owes much to the enthusiasm of such people as are now urging; that the library be reprieved from demolition. /Widen the area a little and the Chamber of Commerce building on the

riverbank seems secure; the rescue of the Theatre Royal is under way; the life of the Chief Post Office in Cathedral Square is going to be defended with vigour. As the city grows, as patterns of work and recreation change, the ; community’s structural needs change too. Preserving old buildings is a luxury and in many instances is a commendable practice to ensure variety in architecture to enliven the appearance of towns. When those who want a building preserved are prepared to meet the cost, or when a way can be found to make a building pay for its own survival, the community must applaud. Only in the most exceptional cases should the community as a whole be burdened witl] the cost of . preservation. In most instances public money is better spent on providing new buildings to meet new or increased needs. Members of both parties in the City Council are divided in their feelings about the old library, but the majority of councillors favour selling the site which means, in effect, that the building will be demolished. The majority of ratepayers almost certainly would agree with the sale, even though the agreement would be hedged by many with regret. Residents with a particular yen to preserve the city’s past need to have a fairly clear idea of their priorities. Concentration of effort is the way to ensure that the most important historical buildings are saved. While the old library might come fairly high on such a list, few would accord it top priority. When the spacious new library is finished and in use, the loss of the shell of the old will not sefem so unbearable if the campaign to save it fails.