Cranmer Sq. street works confirmed

Press, 1 June 1984, Page 6

Cranmer Sq. street works confirmed

A Christchurch City Council street works designation on land opposite the southeast corner of Cranmer Square has been confirmed by a Planning Tribunal decision. Inner City Operation Neighbourhood had opposed the designation of the double intersection of Montreal Street and Armagh Street, arguing that it conflicted with the council’s special residential zoning for that part of the inner city. Removal of a block of flats will probably be required when Montreal Street is realigned at that corner. The tribunal’s decision said there would be enough land left on the corner for

new residential uses. The tribunal doubted that there would be much increase in traffic through the residential area if the designation went ahead. The intersection would be improved, with better traffic flows after the work was completed. The tribunal did not agree with opponents that the work would have adverse social or environmental effects. None of the property immediately south of the block of flats would be required for the work, the tribunal said, but the City 'Council could have that part of the designation revoked later. The tribunal agreed with City Council traffic engineers that the intersection realignment would improve

traffic flows in Montreal Steet and improve Armagh Street by reinforcing its role as a local street. Special provision for cyclists in the realignment project was noted by the decision. Montreal Street is part of the City Council’s one-way traffic system round the central business district. Original District Scheme review provisions for the Cranmer Square area included road-widening designations on two corners of Cranmer Square and opposite its north-east corner, where the old Normal School building is being redeveloped for luxury flats. Those designations were deleted by the council after public hearings.