The creation of a heritage precinct in High Street is underway focusing on the block between Lichfield and Tuam Streets.

This block is one of the most intact Victorian/Edwardian streetscapes in the central city.

This central city project, which involves addressing external signage and wiring as well as the repainting of facades along this block, is intended to be a joint project between Christchurch City Council and the affected property owners.

"This project is essentially a continuation of work begun some five years ago when the ANZ Chambers, Rueben Blades, Majestic Theatre, Excelsior hotel, High Para building and the former High Street post Office were all progressively painted," says William Fulton, the Council's Heritage Planner.

"We started the project with a group meeting of the building owners to talk about the project and how appropriate painting can draw out the architectural detail contained within the facades. Since then I have been meeting with individual building owners to discuss their particular building. By improving the aesthetics of the street and retaining its historic character, we go a step toward ensuring the viability of the street as a community and business precinct. "

The physical work is to be undertaken over the summer.

Another positive outcome of the project has been the reforming of the High Street Business and Community Association.

"We are looking forward to being able to use this new heritage look to promote the uniqueness of this part of the central city and the individuality of the businesses here," says Allister Cotter, Chair of the High Street Business and Community Association. "The Council's assistance in promoting and preserving the heritage buildings in our area will be vital not only to the long term future success of local businesses but also for the expanding residential community."

Ends

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>