‘Heritage fund’ for buildings at risk

Press, 2 April 1985, Page 8

‘Heritage fund’ for buildings at risk

Historic buildings in Christchurch under threat of demolition will be helped in future by a “Heritage fund” to be set up by the Christchurch Civic Trust A proposal to set up the fund was received enthusiastically at a meeting of the trust board last evening, said the chairman, Mr Graeme Robertson. The fund, of about $500,000, should be finalised within a month, he said. “We believe something positive is necessary in the battle over old build-

ings. “The only way to Help is to come forward with some substantial financial contribution for redevelopers, in the way of low-interest working capital,” said Mr Robertson. Christchurch had many examples of developments that had run into trouble because of a lack of working capital. Support from other groups would be necessary to set up the fund. The mechanics of the fund would have to be looked at more carefully before it

was finalised, he said. The Civic Trust had offered its support to the Christchurch City Council to try to save Nazareth House, he said. “The council is putting together a group similar to the Normal School preservation committee. It will look at ways of keeping the Nazareth House buildings for the people of Christchurch.” The trust had also set up a working committee to prepare proposals for Victoria Square, Mr Robertson said.