The Council has awarded the tender for the construction of the new Christchurch Art Gallery (on the Worcester Boulevard, Montreal and Gloucester Streets site) to C Lund and Son Ltd at the accepted tender price of $31, 165, 209.

Work will start on the site during the week commencing 27 November 2000. The good news for Christmas shoppers is that a part of the site, on the Gloucester Street side, will remain available for car parking until 24 December.

It is anticipated that the construction will be completed during October 2002 with the new gallery being open to the public in March 2003.

"This is the start of the very visible part of the creation of our Christchurch Art Gallery - when the people of Christchurch will begin to see the most significant cultural facility for the city since the Christchurch Town Hall. I am also happy that we are able to offer a bonus to shoppers by extending the use of part of the site for carparking up to Christmas."

Cr Ron Wright Chair, Projects and Property Committee

For further information contact: Albert Louman Major Projects Coordination Manager Ph 371 1909

Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz

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