Last Ditch Attempt to persuade Council to Save Heritage Building

29 October 2006

The Spreydon Heathcote Community Board will hold a public meeting at 7.30pm Tuesday 31 October at St Martins Anglican Church, 50 Lincoln Road, in a last ditch effort to save the only remaining heritage building of the former Sunnyside Hospital from the wrecker's ball.

The hospital grounds were purchased by Ngai Tahu Property Limited from the Canterbury District Health Board to create a new subdivision.

The Environment Court, however, issued an order giving the Christchurch City Council the right to purchase the building. If the Council does not exercise its right by 7 December 2006, then the Court's heritage listing is automatically removed and the building can be demolished.

"The seventh of December is D-day." said Phil Clearwater, Chairman of the Spreydon Heathcote Community Board. "With some vision, the restored building could be a unique focal point for this new subdivision." "The ball in squarely in the Council's court, but I don't hold out much hope that they will step up." continued Clearwater.

Local historian, and fellow member of the Spreydon Heathcote Community Board, Dr Megan Woods said "The building is of national significance - its designer, John Campbell, went on to become Government Architect and designed the Parliament Buildings. If it is levelled, then yet another of piece of Christchurch's heritage will be lost forever." "To save this historical landmark, the Board needs a strong signal from the local community if it is to succeed in changing Councillors' minds."

ENDS

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