Call to save valuable “assets” in the Avon River Red Zone

The Avon-Otakaro Network (AvON) wants Christchurch people to let it know about valuable buildings, trees or other structures in the Avon River Red Zone before demolition begins.

The group, which is pushing for the zone to become a reserve and river park, is drawing up a register of “valuable assets”. It will give this to CERA before demolition begins in the next two months.

“Some residents have told us about old and valuable trees they don’t want torn out,” says AvON spokesman Evan Smith. “Others know about buildings or structures that are historically important or have played a central role in the community.

“We want to know about all of them. Then we can make sure CERA knows about these treasures before it starts tearing down the homes and other buildings.”

AvON hopes CERA will save some of the assets, at least while it discusses their future. Others might be moved, and some which cannot be saved will at least be recorded for posterity.

Examples of assets include community meeting places, gardens or halls; trees or plants; buildings or even gateposts or signs. They can be on private or public land.

“If any resident or former resident thinks they are important, we want to know about them,” Mr Smith says.

People can register “valuable assets” online through AvON’s website, www.avonotakaronetwork.co.nz.

Mr Smith says AvON does not know where demolition will start, so residents should try to register assets by Monday, February 13. AvON will give the list to CERA before demolition begins.

As demolition will take many months, there may be time to register the assets in some areas over coming months.

ENDS

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