CIVIC SQUARE SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19698, 26 July 1927, Page 8

CIVIC SQUARE SCHEME.

PROPOSAL AT HAMILTON.

TRANSFORMING GARDEN PLACE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON, Monday. A proposal to make si business area centre at Garden Place. Victoria Street, Hamilton, is being considered by the Hamilton Borough Council. Garden Place at present consists of a hill with a strip of garden and lawn facing the centre of Victoria Street, opposite the Courthouse. The proposal, as outlined,by the borough engineer, Mr. R. Worley, is to bring the whole area down to the level of Victoria Street, including Alexandra Street, which runs parallel with Victoria Street, but is impassable for vehicular traffic at present owing to the steepness of the grade. The plan provides for the formation of 1500 ft. of street frontage, and for a square in the centre which would give 400 ft. additional street frontage. In the centra of the square gardens would be laid out, while at the back there would be seating ac-, commodation and flower plots similar to those on the Victoria Street .frontage at present. To carry- out the scheme would necessitate the taking over of business sites at present occupied in Collingwood Street. The owners of these areas would be offered sites facing the square. Two outstanding advantages of the scheme are the alternative traffic route which Alexandra Street would give when levelled,' and ample parking space for cars. From an economic point of view fine business sites would be made available, the sale of which, it is estimated, would give the council a handsome return for its expenditure. The scheme has been recommended by some of the best business and town-plan- | ning authorities in New Zealand, and is estimated to cost £25,000. The council has given the matter careful consideration, but has not yet reached a decision.