Tuesday, 20 October, 2015

Support for Council proposal to gift land for House Museum

Consultation over a Christchurch City Council proposal to gift land to Canterbury Museum for a new House Museum has attracted strong public support.

The $5 million Council property is currently used for public and leased car parking, and temporary toilets servicing a nearby tour bus stop.

Council General Manager Culture Leisure and Parks Michael Aitken says 125 of the 137 submissions favour gifting the property at 52 Rolleston Avenue.

“We are very pleased with the level of interest. Those in support felt it was a great use of the land for a new attraction that will enhance the arts precinct. A few concerns were raised about issues such as loss of car parking and car parking revenue, and whether the city needs a new exhibition space.

“Submitters wanting to give their views in person will do so at a public hearing on 11 November. A recommendation from the hearing panel will then go to the full Council for a decision.”

Last month Canterbury Museum and the Ravenscar Trust, headed by Jim and Dr Susan Wakefield, unveiled plans for the new $13 million House Museum which will display the Trust’s private collection of art, sculpture, designer furniture and classical antiquities.

If the land gift goes ahead, Canterbury Museum would lease the site to the Ravenscar Trust which would meet the cost of building the House Museum.

Under the terms of the proposed gift, the land would return to the Council at no cost if the House Museum did not receive resource consent, or it was not finished within a reasonable time frame.

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