Proposals for C.G.H.S. site warmly received

Press, 6 July 1985, Page 9

Proposals for C.G.H.S. site warmly received

Proposals to use the existing site of the Christchurch Girls’ High School as an educational and cultural centre have been met with enthusiasm by contenders for the property. The Minister of Education, Mr Marshall, announced yesterday that the site was likely to be given to a community trust for such a centre. However, a final decision on the longterm future of the historic Cranmer Square site rested with the Minister of Lands, Mr Wetere. The Christchurch Civic Trust seemed likely to be the main controlling body if the decision were approved, said its chairman, Mr Graeme Robertson, last evening. “It is just an incredible decision, particularly when one thinks of the 12-year battle we had over the Normal School (now being developed into luxury apartments),” he said. “It is almost as if New Zealand is growing up.” The trust had sent submissions to a Government committee considering proposals, suggesting a trust along the lines of the Arts Centre. This would call together interested parties and use its experience in similar ventures to run the site effectively. Once the decision was approved, the Civic Trust would meet Lands and Survey Department representatives to discuss its management and costs. Mr Robertson estimated

that maintenance of the site and buildings would cost about $BO,OOO. At this stage, selling parts of the site and building seemed the most viable proposal. Mr Marshall said he felt the tennis courts site at the south-east corner of the Montreal Street/Gloucester Street intersection would be suited for commercial development. As there was no known educational use for the gymnasium building and land in Peterborough Street, disposal by the Lands and Survey Department had been recommended. Other options on finance included selling these to a trust or long-term lease on the building and land, Mr Robertson said. Finally, the trust would be responsible for finding suitable groups for the centre and the economic, cultural, and educational return they would provide. The three other main contenders for the property were the Christchurch Polytechnic, the Canterbury School of . Instrumental Music, and the Workers’ Educational Association, all of which were excited by yesterday’s announcement. Mr David Kerr, a director at the Polytechnic, said he was delighted that the school buildings and site were likely to be kept as an education centre in Christchurch. In its submissions to the Government committee the Polytechnic said it saw a need for an educational facility in the centre, of

Christchurch. It would be a “sleeping partner” and oversee the maintenance and running of the building, subleasing to various other groups. “To a large extent, the submissions (by the four parties) had similar themes and, in a lot of cases, compatible uses for the site,” Mr Kerr said. The president of the Canterbury School of Instrumental Music, Mr David Grant, said the Government announcement was marvellous. “It is absolutely superb and exactly what we have wanted.” Mr Grant had long-term hopes of the Girls’ High School site becoming a “home of performing arts” in Christchurch. If the proposal was finalised, the school looked forward to working in with other organisations to make the educational and cultural centre a success, he said. The Workers’ Educational Association saw the announcement as an encouraging step towards “life-long” education. The association’s president, Mrs Katherine Peet, said the announcement was a welcome one and a real recognition by the Minister that education was “lifewide as well as life-long.” In its submissions, the W.E.A. proposed a volunteer development centre, the first of its kind in New Zealand. AU the voluntary agencies in Christchurch could come together, share

resources and staff, and have more time for community education. Having all the groups together in one place could make the centre more accessible to the public. “This proposal by the Minister is tremendously exciting for education in Christchurch,” Mrs Peet said. The regional superintendent of education in Christchurch, Dr Colin Knight, said the proposal was good news for Christchurch. “It means that provided the Minister of Lands agrees, the whole block from Rolleston Avenue to Armagh Street would be protected for cultural and educational purposes. “The other value is that there are a lot of groups doing extremely good education work from music to health,” he said. Such a centre would give these groups an opportunity to work more effectively. “If we believe in education being a life-long process, we need a place for these people to operate,” Dr Knight said. The Government committee that studied viable options for the use of Girls High School site comprised Dr Knight, Mr Philip Burdon, National member of Parliament for Fendalton, and Mrs Margaret Austin, Labour member for Yaldhurst. Discussions with Mr Wetere on a final decision are likely to be made after he returns from overseas.