Street with character

Press, 14 July 1981, Page 25

Street with character

Old newspaper cuttings lining the walls of a cottage in Nelson provide fresh evidence in the battle to retain the character' and history of South Street. The street consists of little wooden cottages, six of which are the original garrison flats. To the residents, they are a strong link with the past, but to other Nelson interests they represent an excellent business proposition to replace them with a hotelmotel complex.

On the corner of the street is a two-storey house, originally home ’to the resident army colonel who. from the lop level could watch the "goings-on" at the nearby fort.

Now, it houses the South Street Gallery, owned by Justin and Lorraine Gardner. Restoration, at a considerable cost, has brought the beauty and quiescent charm back to the house. Oak beams from old English sailing ships virtually support the entire structure.

Living up to its reputation as a gallery in the true sense of the word, if does not buy but sells the local pottery by commission.

Just recently, when he began renovating the upstairs part of the gallery, he discovered copies of the Nelson Evening Mail, dating back to June 17, 1873, underneath the exterior wall covering. Mr Gardner has con-

fronted some city councillors showing them the documents which still remain on the wall where they were uncovered two weeks ago.

He intends to wait until he has further information from Wellington concerning the street's history before he once again takes the local council and historic places trust to task.

The street is recorded by the Historic Places Trust, as a “D" Grading, which simply means the buildings were of sufficient interest to be recorded.

However, only buildings which have "A” or "B" designations are entitled to statutory protection.

Outlining the history. Mr Gardner said that the garri-

son flats originally formed! a horseshoe at the side of ( the fort. Only two of the houses still have the wooden shitogled roofs and these haw now been covered by corru) gated iron to protect them; The weatherboard may also be a clue to the age of buildings. I Mr Gardner would like tcs see the entire street restored!' the street cobbled, gas lamps! installed and for it to bej resurrected with the likes of| craft shops. The street al-* ready boasts a pottery weaver, painter, writer ano| an' architect. Mr Gardner and the resi-j dents- hope to be able to| present a valid case to savel the street but. at thef moment, the threat of demo-( lition hangs over the resi-j dents.