*PROTECT OUR REMAINING HERITAGE:*
*STOP HERITAGE DESTRUCTION RALLY*
*ON MONDAY 7 NOVEMBER 12.30 PM*
*CORNER CAMBRIDGE TERRACE AND WORCESTER BOULEVARD*
A public rally calling for a halt to the destruction of Christchurch's
built heritage is being organised for Monday 7 November with the support
of the Christchurch Civic Trust, IConIC and other heritage campaigners.
“Since February 22 Civil Defence and CERA have demolished scores of
heritage buildings, often without sufficiently investigating options for
stabilisation, strengthening and refurbishment,” Ross Gray a
spokesperson for rally organisers said.
“There has been no community input or involvement. Decisions have been
made behind closed doors. Demolitions have proceeded in a closed city.”
“CERA's stand-over tactics in issuing a demolition order for
Christchurch Cathedral, the physical and symbolic heart of the city, is
a scandalous example of this.” The demolition notice expires on the day
of the rally, Monday 7 November.
“The city's historic commercial fabric, damaged by the earthquakes, has
been ravaged by Civil Defence and CERA, as has much of the
ecclesiastical fabric of Lyttelton and the suburbs.”
“Public safety and commercial imperatives have contributed to this rush
to demolish. They must be considered, of course - but should be seen
within the context of the history of Christchurch. At the present rate
of demolition our “new” city will have only a meagre sense of the past:
it will be a city with little depth.
“To date more than 150 heritage buildings have been demolished. It is
unbelievable that even the Occidental Hotel, a modest wooden building,
is now threatened. This building, of great historic importance,
represents no danger to anyone,” he said.
“The Christchurch Civic Trust, IConIC, other heritage supporters urge
the Minister of Earthquake Recovery and CERA to halt the demolition
frenzy. CERA should prioritise the retention of heritage, and work much
more intensively with the Christchurch City Council, building owners,
engineering and architectural professionals, insurers and the public to
achieve this.
“Christchurch City Council's Share an Idea expo showed that Christchurch
people value their past. We need to build for the future while
respecting the past. The City Plan has a very considered and supportive
section on heritage which CERA seems not to recognise,” Mr Gray said.
Speakers at the Stop Heritage Destruction Rally will address these
issues and launch a heritage protection petition. Mr Gray urged everyone
who treasured the heritage of Christchurch’s built past to attend the
rally.
Ross Gray 021 206 3620. For: Organising Group, Stop Heritage Destruction