EXPANSION OF CITY

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28264, 30 April 1957, Page 7

EXPANSION OF CITY

Present Methods Condemned

Both Christchurch and Auckland had great chances of industrial and residential expansion but the ways new housing areas I and industrial sites were being ' developed were the most ex- I pensive possible and they would I severely handicap the growth needed within the next 20 years This was said last evening in Christchurch by Mr K. M. B. Cross, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, who is touring New Zealand with the secretary of the institute. Mr C D. Spragg.

“Christchurch has to be rebuilt.’’ Mr Cross said in an interview after a reception by local architects. “This ribbon development is absolutely useless Both Christchurch and Auckland are expanding in the most expensive wav possible. “Everyone chooses his site, the type of house he wants and how he wants it built—and there is that quarter-acre section. That would be impossible in Britain. “Quicker And Cheaper"

“Homes should be built in a group with playing areas for children Homes can be built quicker that way and cheaper.’’ said Mr Cross “But how can any city progress when it has no proper administration? Christchurch has not even a town hall. Conversations probably have to take place in the corridors. This sort of thing leads to a complete muddle.”

New materials and supplies of once-scarce products were plentiful now and New Zealand could expect much of its architects he said All this potential growth was being wasted in haphazard building and administration. “There is a great need for a solid, central administration." Building up, instead of out, was one solution, but municipal amenities and transport costs could be reduced even in suburban areas if centralisation was concentrated upon. Mr Cross said.