12 August 2013

Christchurch Town Hall update

Christchurch City Councillors will visit the Christchurch Town Hall ahead of a special Community, Recreation and Culture Committee meeting being held to consider repair options for the facility.

Councillors will be taken on a walk-through of the Town Hall on Tuesday 20 August. A Community, Recreation and Culture Committee meeting has been called on Friday 23 August before the Thursday 29 August Council meeting.

In November 2012 the Council voted unanimously to repair the existing facility to 100 per cent of New Building Standard (NBS).

As a result of the Council’s proposal to save the Town Hall, the Council will oversee the development of a new performing arts precinct adjacent to the Theatre Royal.

The Council has budgeted $158 million, including the restoration of the Town Hall, in total for this project. It committed to considering several options for the Town Hall by 31 August this year.

Community, Recreation and Culture Committee Chair Yani Johanson says, “The Town Hall is a special place that tells an important story of modern Christchurch’s social and cultural history. I look forward to councillors considering the options for repair and getting on with the restoration of this significant city landmark.

“The Council has moved ahead on this project as soon as the cost-sharing agreement with Government was finalised. It is great to get clarity from Central Government that it is Council’s responsibility to progress this major metropolitan project.”

A Council workshop will also be held tomorrow, Tuesday 13 August. Staff will outline proposed repair options to inform the reports being presented to the Community, Recreation and Culture Committee and the Council meetings.

ENDS

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