Arts Centre market

Press, 13 July 1988, Page 18

Arts Centre market

Sir, —The two main quadrangles of the Arts Centre are in need of a fresh surface, such as artificial grass, on the worn, raised areas in the market in time for the spring summer season. Perhaps a more varied layout, with new paved paths in place of old rutted tarseal and differing levels for the stalls could be budgeted too. Certainly, blades of grass are at a premium in the centre. — Yours, etc., WILLIAM LEAMON. July 3, 1988.

[The director of the Arts Centre, Mr C. K. Doig, replies: “The Arts Centre management welcomes the comment regarding the terribly worn quadrangles. In fact, the conditions of the paving and lawns have been deteriorating, since the university’s occupation and, with the increased patronage of the Arts Centre, the growth of the market and the introduction of both a winter market and Sunday trading, it is now impossible for the grass and paving to survive. The Arts Centre Board has been presented with a complete new landscape concept for its approval, and the centre is right now actively campaigning with central and local government and private companies for financial support to facilitate its implementation. It is unfortunate that the Arts Centre receives no subsidy from local or central government for its management and maintenance, and simply does not have adequate revenue from its arts tenants to undertake renovations of this magnitude, however urgent they may be. The board and management agree that in its present condition, the quadrangles do not present a good image to the visitor, nor do they reflect well on the Arts Centre buildings or the city, but without substantial support we are powerless to improve them.”]