Competition for Municipal Offices in Christchurch.

Progress, Volume XVI, Issue 10, 1 June 1921, Page 224

Competition for Municipal Offices in Christchurch.

The cash prize of £IOO for the best design for the proposed Municipal Offices and Council Chamber for the city of Christchurch, which carries with it the commission to do the work, has been won by Messrs. Greenstreet and Anderson, of Christchurch, against four other competitors. The plans, which were selected by the special sub-committee set up to go into the question with the assistance of Mr. George' A. Hart as professional assessor, have been approved by the City Council, and were chosen on the number principle, the name of the successful competitor not being known until the sealed envelope, corresponding with the number on the plans, was opened by the Mayor, Dr. Thacker, M.P. The competition was open to all registered architects. The estimated cost of the structure is just under £30,000. The plans provide for the frontage of the old Canterbury Hall building being utilised as far as possible, and for the erection of a structure 146 feet deep with a width of 100 feet. The building is to be of reinforced concrete, designed on broad and modern lines, with a minimum of columns, principal beams of long spans, and wide window openings. The rooms have been arranged on the banking system, the ground floor having a considerable height. Attention has been paid to lighting, heating, and ventilation on the latest lines. The ground floor will contain the Town Clerk’s offices on the right-hand side, with the treasury department on the left; rates, cemetery, and other departments will also be accommodated on this floor, together with the offices of the various inspectors. There will also be a public space 68 feet by 30 feet. On the upper floor, reached by a staircase or an electric elevator, will be situated the Council Chambers, committee rooms, Mayor and Mayoress’s rooms, Councillors’ rooms, library, and the caretaker’s quarters.

The front elevation of the building will cover a vacant space with a 70ft. frontage on the right-hard side ,of the building. It is on this unoccupied space that it has been suggested that a hall or a theatre should be erected.

Before the work can be started, the proposal will have to be sanctioned by a poll of the ratepayers.

Messrs. Greenstreet and Anderson were also the successful competitors for designs for the workers’ houses in Huxley Street, four of which are just finished, completion of the other four being expected in a month’s time. Thirteen competitors entered for this competition, the prize being £SO, and, of course, the commission to proceed with the work.