Government Life Building

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 3

Government Life Building

Sir, —We are hearing a great deal about this new building enhancing the appearance of Cathedral square; but so far we have heard nothing regarding the aggravation of the already existing congestion in the Square, traffic problems, and parking. It is reported that parking is being provided for 20 pars. This is totally inadequate and unrealistic with a building of this size. Moreover there will be hundreds of employees entering and leaving this building in peak hours and it does not need much imagination to picture the future in the Square. Can you inform me if it was necessary for the Government Life Office to obtain a permit for the building from the Christchurch City Council or, on the other hand, are they not subject to the usual building and town-planning regulations.—Yours, etc.. VIGILANT. May 11, 1961. IA permit is required.—Ed., “The Press/]

Sir. —I read with considerable interest your sub-leader of May 11 regarding the progress in Cathedral square. I notice, too, that it is the Government that is to put up a nine-storey building for the Government Life Insurance office, a portion of which. I presume, will be used for insurance purposes. While I have no thought of attempting to delay progress in these so-called modern times. I would like to ask whether a private enterprise would have been allowed to build a similar-sized building on the same site? Presumably, the engineers and architects have taken into consideration the same hazards as confronted engineers not so many years ago, when many reputable firms in High street, including a company of world-wide reputation, wished to build up (and high) in High street.—Yours, etc..

CITIZEN AND RATEPAYER. May 11, 1961.