High standard of development

Press, 9 August 1982, Page 27

High standard of development

One of the most ambitious projects mooted by Christchurch city businessmen was Drought to fruition on Saturday with the official opening of the City Mall.

The idea was first discussed nearly two decades ago when the Cashel Street and the High Street Businessmen’s Associations both expressed concern" at the decaying state/of trade in the city’s centre.

At a meeting of the associations on February 19, 1963, it was decided that a shopping mall would attract shoppers back to the area. The City Council agreed that the roads selected for a pedestrian mall were in an excellent location for a number of reasons. There were a lot of pedestrians using the area which was served by intensive retail establishments on some of the highest-valued land. A spokesman for the City Mall Association says that the main problem at this early stage was the lack of parking. As a result the business-

men contributed the money necessary for the initial procurement of the Lichfield Street carpark to replace the loss of on-street parking. Because limited funds were available, it was not until some years later that an additional two decks were built.

Once this had been achieved, the idea was to proceed with the City Mall according to the spokesman.

But the cost of the Mall, was so prohibitive that the project had to be shelved. Although the concept of a shopping mall had received widespread support from the outset, the shape it would take was subject to a great deal of consideration.

Every effort was made by the council and the retailers to maintain a high standard and the New Zealand Institute of Architects became involved in the design. Eventually, a. final plan was approved by all parties. It was intended that the bricks and tiles used in Cathedral Square and at the Bridge of Remembrance

would be used throughout the mall but the cost of SI.BM was too great. A reduced scheme, to be built in two stages, was endorsed by the Cashel and High Street Businessmen’s

Association with the shortfall of $60,000 being subscribed by property owners. The spokesman says they have achieved what they set out to do — aesthetically improve 'the surrounds and inject life back into the city shopping- area.

Because the street has been closed there are no traffic hassles and the atmoshpere is much more pleasant for' shoppers.

The mall is intended to complement the Square and not detract from the Square as the. cultural heart of Christchurch.

Teething problems have been experienced, but most have been cured by time. Servicing the shops has been the main bug-bear, although shop owners have now adjusted to the delivery times set down by the council.