M.W.D. looking at Latimer Sq. alternatives

Press, 6 July 1985, Page 9

M.W.D. looking at Latimer Sq. alternatives

The Ministry of Works and Development is looking at alternatives to taking part of Latimer Square to widen the intersection of Madras Street and Hereford Street. Under a proposal rejected by the Christchurch City Council on Thursday even--ing, a triangular slice of Latimer Square would have been taken to widen the corner and improve the traffic flow. The Ministry proposal is part of a planned Madras Street-Barbadoes Street one-way pair system that would bring widening along the two streets. Widening has been reduced to key intersections in light of opposition. The Ministry’s designation on land along the edges of the two streets will be heard by the Planning Tribunal on July 15. It would mean taking a narrow corridor of land from the frontages of 30 properties, including commercial, church and residential properties. Another 25 buildings

would have to be demolished. St John’s Anglican Church, on the Madras Street-Hereford Street corner would lose its stone fence and an area of its car-park, including two trees. Three through-traffic lanes on both one-way streets are proposed under the present Ministry designation. Residents for a number of years have opposed the widening of the two streets and the subsequent loss of property. Most at Thursday evening’s meeting of the council felt the council’s rejection of the use of part of Latimer Square for the widened road a small victory in a larger battle. Some were hopeful that the decision might prompt the Ministry to abandon its proposed one-way pair or at least take it back to the drawing board. Mr Ron Grant, district commissioner of the Ministry of Works and Development, said yesterday that the Ministry was considering the effect of the council’s decision on the one-way pairs plan. Asked if the whole plan for the one-way pair might be scrapped because the council had moved to protect the portion of Latimer Square required, Mr Grant said he certainly would not say that. The Ministry warned the council before it voted on

the taking of part of Latimer Square that if it did not indicate its support of the Planning Tribunal’s decision, whether it was to confirm the Ministry’s designation or not, the Minister of Works might see fit to abandon the whole one-way street requirement. Mr Grant said the plan still stood. No decision on what alternative for the Madras Street-Hereford Street corner would be suggested would be made for several days yet. There were quite a number of alternatives, he said. The Ministry is due to make submissions to the Planning Tribunal when it meets in Christchurch on July 15. Before then, Christchurch Ministry of Works officers will meet the National Roads Board and officials of the Ministry’s head office.