KATIE Clark’s article, (New Year’s Day), notes that the demolition of Druitt Hall is to be decided today (Jan 3).
Christchurch council’s comment that it did not believe there was any need for a new community hall in the town centre begs a question.
How would the council know that, when there has been NO public consultation whatsoever?
The application for demolition states ‘no consultation is applicable’.
It has not attracted a single expression of public support, but a petition of 1,007 signatures and more than 200 letters opposing demolition.
The council refers to ‘a good provision of town centre community halls’.
This is a quote from the Town Centre Area Profile 2010 which refers to: ‘Druitt Hall, the Baptist Church Hall on Bargates and the Mayor’s Parlour on the High Street’ and notes the plans for a new Druitt Hall.
The first is up for demolition, the second is a church hall on Bargates, not the High Street, the third is a listed building bookable for ceremonial occasions and the fourth is now on permanent hold!
The decision to demolish was made 10 months ago and it is sheer arrogance on the part of the council not to have reviewed it in the light of public outrage at the loss of the hall without replacement and the recent offer of funding from Dr Ford.
What a shambles!
ANNE MASON, Auckland Road, Christchurch
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