13 MARCH 2008

Strong support for Ellerslie at public information open days

"Fabulous" and "just what the city needs" was the overwhelming response from the more than 240 Christchurch residents who attended this week's Ellerslie International Flower Show public information days.

Designed to provide residents with the opportunity to understand how the event operated, the open days gave residents the chance to look at the proposed site and traffic management plans for the Show, access information regarding on-site construction timetables, learn about the resources consent process and ask any questions of Show organisers.

Ellerslie International Flower Show managing-director Dave Mee said the majority of these attending the two days were excited about Ellerslie coming to Christchurch.

"Most people said Ellerslie was just what the city needed and they couldn't wait until March next year when the first show is hosted in Christchurch. Everyone was confident of the success of the Show and welcomed the national and international visitor and media profile the Show would bring to Christchurch."

Mr Mee said there was also a lot of interest from people wanting to be involved in the Show as a volunteer.

"This sort of grassroots support is important for the success of the Show."

Issues discussed included traffic management and parking in the area during the five days of the Show, from 11 to 15 March, and site mediation.

"A comprehensive traffic management plan is being developed as part of the resource consent process, which will address many of the concerns expressed by residents. The Ellerslie Management Committee is working with independent consultants and the Council's parking officials to ensure there is minimal congestion and disruption to traffic, in particular commuter traffic."

He said a site remediation plan was also being completed to restore the Park to its original condition.

"This will respect the core values of the Park's Management Plan and ensure the heritage trees in the area are not only protected from any activity in the area but we educate visitors on their significance to the heritage of the city."

Other issues addressed were timing of the Show and availability of flowers at this time of the year.

Mr Mee said autumn was the harvest season and Ellerslie would celebrate with a feast of food and wine, and with contract flower growing, there would be plenty of flowers to ensure Ellerslie provided garden lovers with plenty of innovation for new garden design and floral displays.

ENDS

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