Mayor promotes trackless trams
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Trackless trams could be an option for improving connections with Christchurch in the future, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon says.
Connections with the central city, transport, housing and commercial developments are just some of things being considered as part of the Huihui Mai Greater Christchurch Partnership consultation.
With the population of the Greater Christchurch area expected to pass 700,000 by 2051, and 1 million over the ensuing decades, an
efficient and sustainable transport system was essential, Gordon said.
"An idea I’m quite attracted to is trackless trams, which don’t need a track. Brisbane has them and they are quite common overseas.
"How we connect our district into the city centre is important."
Providing more housing choices and attracting business opportunities, particularly in the city centre and town centres was another factor, he said.
But one question that was not on the agenda was creating a "Super City", Gordon said.
"There is a conversation which comes up about super cities, but there is no desire within the partnership members for a super city
because we are working very well between us.
"We are at a size where we are sustainable, but we are all part of a bigger picture, which is the Greater Christchurch area, so it is
important that we work together for our shared future."
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is a collaboration between the Christchurch City, and Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils, and Environment Canterbury.
Other members included Ngāi Tahu, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and two Government Ministers.
Public consultation on Huihui Mai closes on Sunday, March 26.
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Heritage gem or dangerous burden? Bowling club’s dilemma with historic pavilion
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora sports club is frustrated with the increasing maintenance and insurance costs of its 113-year-old pavilion, which can't be demolished due to its historic importance.
The Rangiora Bowling Club approached the Waimakariri District Council last year for help, but was yet to find a satisfactory solution for the pavilion.
It is registered with Heritage New Zealand and listed in the Waimakariri District Plan, leaving the club with few options.
The club’s ex-president Norman Hewett said the pavilion on Good St, north of the town centre, is unsafe and no longer fit for purpose.
Hewett said the council has been supportive and Heritage New Zealand has offered advice, but no funding.
‘‘Everybody thinks the building is worth preserving, but there is a cost and it shouldn’t be put on the bowling club.
‘‘As far as we are concerned it is not fit for purpose and we want to know how we can get round that.
‘‘We want to know what the community thinks and if they want to retain it, are they willing to pay for it?’’
The club has formed a sub-committee to explore what options are available.
Sub-committee member Rodger Wilton said the club has been unable to find any record that the club had a say when the building was given heritage status.
Built in 1911, the pavilion served the Rangiora Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club, which originally shared the site.
It cost 945 pounds and was opened on October 28, 1911.
The three clubs purchased 1.25 acres on the corner of Blackett and Good streets in April 1905, but later parted company, with tennis and croquet moving to new sites.
While no quotes have been sought, Hewett believed it would cost more than $1 million to bring the pavilion up to code.
Ideally the club would like to demolish the pavilion so it can upgrade its main building and remain on site.
The stairwell was non-compliant and there was no wheelchair access, meaning the club was unable to use the upstairs facilities.
There are loose tiles on the roof which need replacing.
An attached building behind the pavilion is sufficient to meet the needs of the 140 members and for hosting the largest bowls tournament in North Canterbury, Hewett said.
He said the club is open to all options, including a land swap or selling to a developer with the expertise to restore the pavilion.
Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said the council is working through various opportunities with the bowling club as part of a feasibility study.
‘‘There are a lot of options to consider. Each have various financial, social and operational implications.’’
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga said it had ‘‘expressed support for the adaptive reuse of the building and supported the club’s intention to investigate options for the pavilion and the associated land parcel’’.
The Rangiora Bowling Club is keen to hear the views of the community. Email rangiorabowling@gmail.com.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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