Teenagers’ venue planned

Press, 3 June 1982, Page 6

Teenagers’ venue planned

A proposed entertainment and social centre sin : the Christchurch central business district for people under 20; may, receive a $2OOO grant from the City Council. • ' The centre,-/which would provide an outlet for' those. too young to -enter' hotels, and who are unemployed, is promoted , by two women who helped to bring The Clash to Christchurch., for a rock concert in February. Mary-Rose Wilkinson and Mary - Richardson •; later organised ‘•Orientation ’B2” activities at the University of Canterbury. They told the council’s community services committee". yesterday-that bridging , finance, was-.' needed before the project could get. other funds. ' '

They would set up a trust, and have sought help from the Government’s Youth <spf-

vices Distribution Committee.

A preliminary budget indicated that the centre’s annual costs could be 1152,500, including $20,000 for rental. Establishing it could cost an additional $14,450. Some councillors were sceptical about the project's chances of success, but most committee members said that there was a need for somewhere for young people to go without drinking. Alcohol at; the centre would be banned. ' •

The council’s grant would come from the community development fund, only after an incorporated trust was formed, and the idea had been discussed with council afficers and area youth groups. Further financing could be considered after the trust was formed ard a .detailed

budget was available. “We can make a decision when we are in control of these tight facts,’’ said Cr H. A. Clark.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Mr Hamish Hay, said there was a lot of “homework” yet to be done on the proposal. The committee's chairman, Cr D. J. Rowlands, suggested that a $14,000 establishment loan could be considered.

“You have to ger more evidence of outside backing 1 and financial guidance," said Mr Hay.

Ms Wilkinson said that a suitable building had been found to lease in the city centre, but' there was not enough money to pay the lease.

The organisers estimated that they couid raise .$3OOO from three concert functions

a week, at a charge of about $2 a person. Cr M. J. Glubb said that financial support now could place the two young women “in an invidious position” because of the responsibility it would put upon them.

Many unemployed people were putting their energy to work in bands, art, and theatre groups, “but for the most part these people have no venue suitable to gather in,” said a draft proposal for the project. "We plan to provide a venue where atmosphere would be dictated largely by the audience occupying it,” the report said. ‘ A building with a. clear space of at least 650 sq m was needed, with additional rooms -for offices,- band rooms,, dance workshops, and a gallery. •