A CIVIC SQUARE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1924, Page 4

A CIVIC SQUARE.

AUCKLAN D PROPOSALS. AUCKLAND. March 2 Au important step in connection with a proposal to evolve a dignified civic square on the area owned by tho city in the vicinity of the present town hall has been taken. Tho terms and conditions under which competitive designs invited from all architects are to he submitted are announced. The purpose of the project is fully represented in the conditions. These m addition to the laying out of it civic centre provide for the erection of a municipal administrative building and art gallery on a site of over four acres. A feature of tho competition i? that designs must not only embrace these two buildings, but provide for harmonious treatment of the whole area, bringing in the present town hall, which really becomes part of the mid ;r----taking. Accommodation in the nui. l .- cipal building is on a generous scale to meet future demands of the city council chandier together with attendant reception and committee rooms, calling for a space of approximately 7000 superficial feet. In addition there is to be provision for numerous departments, the tramways department alone requiring about 12,000 superficial feet. All designs are due on October 1. A first prize of £IOOO is offered and the second and third prizes are £3OO and £2OO respectively. The council already has commenced the demolition of the old buildings on the site. Half the shops oil the Queen Street frontage are now empty and the remaining tenants will vacate within the next few weeks. The razing of four buildings has actually been commenced and the site should he cleared bv September or October next.