CTV site purchased by the Crown

The Crown has purchased the site where the Canterbury Television (CTV) building stood until the February 2011 earthquake, as part of the larger plan to create a world-class new central Christchurch.

One hundred and fifteen people lost their lives - and others were seriously injured - when the building at 249 Madras Street collapsed in the quake on February 22, 2011. The site has since been cleared of the rubble and building material, and continues to be a poignant place for remembering those who died.

The Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) has written to families of the victims at the site to advise them of the recent Crown purchase, which is part of the purchase programme under the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.

The CTV site will form part of the East Frame, a predominantly residential area with green open space that will border the new condensed CBD core. CCDU director Warwick Isaacs says those involved in the design and planning of the East Frame are acutely aware of the sensitivities that surround the site.

``That is why we have been in contact with those affected families we have contact details for - to let them know about the change in ownership and to reassure them that access to the site will not change in the near future,’’ Mr Isaacs says.

``Decisions are still to be made about the longer term use of the site, but those involved in the design and planning for the East Frame will be very mindful of what occurred at the CTV site, and this will be reflected in any decisions that are made.’’

``I have committed to keeping those families informed on the key decisions that are made about the site.’’ The Crown’s negotiation to purchase the PGC site at 233 Cambridge Terrace, where 18 people died and others were seriously injured in a building collapse in the February 2011 earthquake, is well advanced.

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