Meeting called on Sumner shops plan

Press, 4 August 1981, Page 6

Meeting called on Sumner shops plan

A meeting this evening to i consider the future shape of ? Sumner’s business district - was heralded yesterday by . the appearance of “Sumner i Beach Press." a new community newletter that en- - courages residents to consider an alternative to a t proposed shopping centre. The meeting, called by the f Sumner Residents’ Associar tion, will discuss the possible effects of a 14-shop centre

planned for the north-east corner of Wakefield Avenue and Nayland Street. Some residents think that the big centre, with its associated car-parking space, could damage Sumner’s village atmosphere. Other ways to develop the commercially zoned corner will be considered at the 7.30 p.m. meeting in the St John’s Ambulance Hall. An independent architect has been asked by residents to suggest

different ways of treating the development planned by Mr B. N. DeVere, a New Brighton businessman.

The DeVere development would replace four shops, two houses, and a factory. Mr DeVere has said that his development would maintain the village atmosphere, but critics have said that his project would not be in harmony with the present shops. A large area of land has been cleared for the new shopping centre. One local fear is that the new centre, with parking for some 50 cars, could lead to a demand for Saturday shopping and draw shoppers from outside the suburb. i