Plan Upsets Stallholders (Press, 6 May 1989)

On 6 May 1989, protesters at the Arts Centre's weekend market expressed their dissatisfaction with proposed landscaping changes that would shift their stalls from the northern end to what they termed "Siberia," located between the Academy cinema and the Dux de Lux restaurant. The market stallholders were concerned that relocating would diminish the unique atmosphere associated with the Arts Centre’s Gothic-style buildings and quadrangles, which they believe contributes significantly to the market's appeal in Christchurch. The Arts Centre trust board had engaged landscape architects Boffa Miskell Partners to devise an overall plan for the site. The architects noted the open spaces had become shabby, primarily due to the need to balance fostering the arts with the preservation of the historical buildings. The report indicated that the weekend market's relocation would alleviate pressure on the quadrangles, set to be redesigned into a passive space in the north and a performance area in the south. The stallholders, some of whom had operated there for up to nine years, felt the proposed move would ruin the market's atmosphere and upset its established reputation. They highlighted its successful family-friendly environment and emphasized the market's importance, generating around $200,000 annually in rents and further contributions to the Arts Centre. Together, they expressed strong objections to the relocation proposal, submitting suggestions for keeping the market where it is located. Despite stallholders’ reservations, Geoff Ellis, director of the Arts Centre, stated that no final decision had been made and that their input was valued. He acknowledged the need to address the quadrangles' deterioration but highlighted that a successful market was beneficial to the Arts Centre financially. Ellis advocated for a landscaping plan that could balance the weekend market's needs with the overall aesthetics and functionality of the Arts Centre. Ellis noted that however advantageous the market may appear, its heavy use could compromise the quadrangles' condition, necessitating a landscape plan that might not focus exclusively on the two-day market but on the broader needs of the site seven days a week. Comments by the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, included the consideration of potential funding through local government for the landscaping project, and he suggested the area might also accommodate a new city art gallery while maintaining the market's presence. While potential redevelopment loomed, it was clear there was a passionate commitment from stallholders and a degree of public support for preserving the existing market site. The Arts Centre was heralded as a national asset, and local leaders were urged to ensure its upkeep and functionality for future generations. Overall, the uncertainty surrounding the market's location and the broader implications for the Arts Centre were central to the discussions amidst significant public and stakeholder interest.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand