Whangarei Ratio Elation Site

Northern Advocate, 4 June 1947, Page 2

Whangarei Ratio Elation Site

Three sections at the corner of Paist Lane and Alexander Street are considered by the National Broadcasting Service as suitable for the site of Whangarei’s projected radio station.

The sections, however, have recently been purchased by Northland Bakeries, Ltd.. for the purpose of erecting a bakehouse and a block of two flats.

Letters on the subject were received' by the Whangarei Borough Council last night from the director of the service and from the linn.

Inquiries had shown that the three sections-were owned by the firm and that plans for the erection of flats had been prepared, stated the service director. No permit had been received from the council, but the building controller’s sanction had been obtained.

STEEL BUILDING The site woidd be satisfactory for the erection of temporary studio premises and should also be acceptable. if necessary, for a permanent building, providing the area continued to be developed as a cultural and community centre.

It was impossible to find sufficient space to meet the services' studio requirements in Whangarei, and it would be necessary to erect a building constructed from steel hospital hutments as a temporary home for the station.

The site selected fell just in the brick area and before entering into any further negotiations, information as to whether the council had any comments or plans concerning the site was asked.

FIRM’S PLANS The firm advised the council that a plan of the proposed flats had been submitted to the building controller, who had stated that when the application had been made thrQiigh the council for the permit it would be granted.

It was proposed to provide for the erection of the flats right away, but the firm wished to know if there was any objection to flats and bakehouse being erected on that holding from the town planning point of view.

The front of the section would have to be paved in concrete and the firm had been approached by young people interested in roller skating with a request that it shoidd be laid immediately to enable them to use it as a rink. The firm was prepared to consider laying the concrete if the council should agree, and it asked whether approval for laying an area (10ft by 30ft would be given. It was decided to advise the director that the position had gone too far for the council to interfere, while the firm's letter was referred to the town planning committee.