City Mall seats

Press, 2 October 1987, Page 16

City Mall seats

Sir,—ls there any architect in the Civic Offices who can justify the continued expense of the upkeep of the seating in the City Mali? The original idea may have had its merits, but the continued use of - mahogany timber (even laminated) which splinters in outside conditions unprotected is a senseless drain on ratepayers’ money. Outside the new bank at the High Street end there are two bare frames ready to be reclad with the same material. Surely this is a time for someone with enterprise to construct a more permanent, and certainly cheaper, means of seating the people of Christchurch in what was to be a show-place of advancement — Yours, etc., R. A. HUNT. September 21, 1987.

[The Deputy General Manager (works), Mr Harold Surtees, replies: "The City Architect believes the present seats to be an elegant design solution, but agrees with your correspondent when he speaks of the continued maintenance costs. Experience since initial construction in 1982 has shown vehicle damage to be the most significant problem and even more robust materials are likely to suffer damage from this source. Alternative designs are already being considered and detailed maintenance costs are being kept to allow consideration of alternative designs and materials. In the meantime, the seats outside the new ANZ building are being reinstated with battens already in stock.”]