A Great Victory For Democracy

"The Music Conservatorium was cooked up by Rod Carr and served to the Mayor and senior Council staff as a gourmet dish, when in fact it was cold, lumpy porridge. This set the scene for a game of smoke and mirrors in the media, where sides were pitted against each other.

"Was it a scheme to revitalise the Arts Centre or one which would lump all the risk, bother and financing onto the city, while the university only had to pay a rental for 30 years?

"Would it 'finish' the Arts Centre with an elegant and harmonious building, or would it cram a 'too large' building into a 'too small' space, ruining the relaxed area around the Dux de Lux?

"Was the Arts Centre Trust interested in maintaining the integrity of the area or in making big bucks from rental and car parks, at the expense of stallholders and the public?

"Did the opposition come from a handful of disgruntled residents (Bob Parker's key claim), or was a majority of residents firmly opposed?

"All of these matters were taken to the Resource Consent process, and have now been resolved in favour of the people of Christchurch. If it is appealed, the result will be the same. This is a great victory for the people, and restores my faith in the consent process. Congratulations to all those involved in fighting the proposal"

ENDS

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