Chrissie Williams On Music School At The Arts Centre Decision

“I am relieved and thrilled that the resource consent for the University’s music centre at the arts centre has been declined’, said Cr Chrissie Williams. “The commissioners have clearly had a focus on the effects of the proposed building under the Resource management Act and have confirmed that the building is of too great a scale and too bulky for it to be compatible with the heritage building s at the Art Centre.”

The commissioners considered that the assessment of the submitters in opposition was more convincing on the basis of a greater appreciation at the outset that the heritage values of the Arts Centre are of national significance. They concluded that the heritage values would not be maintained and historic heritage would not be protected by the proposed NCOM building and so the application for resource consent is refused.

“I am very grateful to those that committed themselves to opposing this proposal especially the Christchurch Civic Trust and the Save Our Arts centre Trust”, added Cr Williams. “This case has put financial pressure on a number of individuals and groups and I appreciate their willingness to take on this battle for all the people of Christchurch”.

“The Christchurch City Council must now rescind its decision to fund the building and let the University get on with building their music school on their land at Ilam. “ Cr Williams said “ I will take a notice of motion to the May Council meeting to do this, but will requires support from four other Councillors to be able to table this motion.”

ENDS

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