New life planned for Civic buildings

Press, 6 August 1981, Page 6

New life planned for Civic buildings

An entertainment complex planned for the old Civic Chambers would cater for Christchurch people and tourists and would preserve one of Christchurch’s landmarks. the Liquor Licensing Control Commission was told vesterdav.

Berryman Entertainments, Ltd, has applied for a food and entertainment licence for the former home of the Christchurch City Council in Manchester Street. Berryman Properties, Ltd. has an option to buy the property if the licence is granted.

Mr C. J. Berryman said there was little entertainment in Christchurch for those aged between 25 and 45. A quality complex would also attract tourists.

Noise and parking would cause few problems because the building was in a commercial area close to the citv centre.

Few structural changes would be needed and the redecoration would make use of the existing features of the building.

A dance floor and bars would occupy the ground floor. Recorded music would be used mainly, although professional disco bands and dancers would be employed from time to time.

Upstairs would be a club room bar with a small dance floor and full-time pianist. Kitchen facilities, a restaurant for lunches and dinners, and a roof-top restaurant would also be included.

Developments would include the refurbishing of the Civic Theatre as a theatre restaurant and the addition of physical recreation facilities. possibly a squash court, swimming pool, and gymnasium.

Mr Berryman said the complex would not attract casual drinkers because of a cover charge and high bar prices. It would complement Christchurch's existing amenities because of its longer hours. The application was for a licence from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. The complex would first be open from

Wednesday to Sunday each week.

Part of the upstairs restaurant would be set aside for a coffee shop after 10 p.m. to provide food for latenight drinkers. The executive officer of the Canterbury Promotion Council, Mr B. R. Dunstan, said the complex would be viable. The tourist season ran from November until April and in the off-peak season there would be a demand from skiers. Mr R. W. Broom, of the Hotel Association, said skiers were often “the type with only a toothbrush and $5 in their pockets.” The Hotel Association was worried about a licence being granted to allow the complex to stay open until 3 a.m. because it was a new type of licence not proved. Counsel for Mr Berryman. Miss I. Mitchell, said' that timing was crucial for the project, because the complex needed to be ready for the Christmas trade. The commission reserved decision.