Report to Council of the Parks and Recreation Committee 15 October 1997

22. 10. 97

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

15 OCTOBER 1997

A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee
was held on Wednesday 15 October 1997 at 4.00 pm

PRESENT:	Councillor Gordon Freeman (Chairman), Councillors Carole Anderton, Graham Berry, David Buist, Graham Condon, David Cox, Ishwar Ganda and Gail Sheriff.

IN ATTENDANCE:	Councillor Ron Wright.

APOLOGY:	An apology for absence was received and accepted from the Mayor.
	Councillor Cox retired at 5.30 pm and was present for all clauses except clause 16.

The Committee reports that:

PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION

1. NATIONS IN BLOOM 97 RR 6351

Officer responsible	Author
Parks Manager	Craig Oliver, Parks Manager
Corporate Plan Output: Info and Advice, Educ & Prom

The purpose of this report is to announce the success of the Council in winning the Nations in Bloom 97 in Madrid, Spain.

At its August meeting the Council authorised Councillor Freeman and Neiel Drain to represent the city at the Nations in Bloom 97 competition and to attend the IFPRA Europe Congress, in Madrid, Spain.

This followed our pre entry in the Nations in Bloom 97 in which the Council was placed in the final in Category D - population over 300,000.

Following an introduction by Councillor Freeman, Mr Drain presented an address to a panel of international judges. This address included a video on Christchurch, followed by slide presentation and paper covering specialist subjects including enhancement of the landscape, heritage management, environmentally sensitive practices, community involvement and planning for the future.

The award of first in Category D in Nations in Bloom 97, is as the Chairman of the Congress, Mr Alan Smith said very significant for the City of Christchurch, especially as the competition is supported and endorsed by United Nations.

Councillor Freeman and Mr Drain also stayed on following the presentation to attend the 1997 International Federation of Parks and Recreation Europe Congress.

A "mini" version of the award-winning presentation will be arranged for Councillors in early November when Neiel Drain returns from overseas.

Recommendation:

That Neiel Drain and the Nations in Bloom Team (Kelvin McMillan, Bruce King, Geoff Mein and Julie Battersby) be thanked for their excellent work in preparing the presentation.
That Councillor Freeman be thanked for ably representing the Council at the Nations in Bloom awards ceremony.

DISPOSAL OF LAND - KYLE PARK - SOUTHPOWER KIOSKS SITES

RR 5852

Officer responsible	Author
Parks Manager	Property Services Officer Bill Morgan 3/8/118
Corporate Plan Output: Page 9.4.8 Consents

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to consider an application from Southpower Limited to acquire two kiosk sites within Kyle Park.

BACKGROUND

The report has been referred to the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board for the purposes of obtaining comment regarding any local implications.

PROPOSAL

Southpower has advised the Council that it intends to install underground power wiring in Waterloo Road with all existing overhead wiring and power poles being removed. To complete this work however Southpower needs to purchase several sites along Waterloo Road to install kiosks.

Two potential sites have been identified within Kyle Park as depicted on the tabled plan WD0065 being situated opposite Hei Hei Road and number 290 Waterloo Road. The sites are relatively small containing 1.5m² and 5.5m² respectively. Kyle Park is held by the Council in fee simple and although utilised as a recreation ground may be dealt with under the Local Government Act 1974. Currently the park is utilised for junior rugby and cricket as well as a BMX cycling track. The proposed sites will not materially affect the use of the park and as such it is recommended that the areas be disposed of. Following negotiations with Southpower, agreement has been reached subject to Council approval to dispose of the sites for a sum of $1,500 each inclusive of GST with Southpower also meeting all survey and legal costs associated with this disposal.

In accordance with Section 230 of the Local Government Act 1974, before any land can be disposed of, it is necessary to advertise the intention to do so, giving public notice of the time and place of the meeting at which the resolution is to be submitted to the Council and of the purport of the resolution not less than 14 clear days before the date of the meeting. The intention to dispose of the area is currently being advertised and in order that the disposal may be effected it will be necessary for the Council to adopt the resolution contained within the recommendation.

Resolution

Pursuant to Section 230 of the Local Government Act 1974, the Christchurch City Council hereby resolves to dispose of the land in the following Schedule:

Schedule

All those parcels of land containing 1.5m² and 5.5m² respectively or thereabouts being part Lot 1 DP 25716 and being part of the land comprised and described in Certificate of Title 8A/572.

The above application was supported by the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board and referred to this Committee with the recommendation that the application be approved along with the recommended conditions and that Southpower be asked to provide the kiosks with a graffiti-proof surface.

Recommendation:

1. That the Council adopt the above resolution.

2. Subject to the above requirements being complied with, the following is recommended:

That the two parcels be disposed of to Southpower Limited at a price of $1,500 each GST, inclusive.

That Southpower meet all survey and legal costs associated with the disposal.

That the respective sites be fenced or landscaped at Southpower's cost to the satisfaction of the Parks Manager.

That Southpower be asked to provide the kiosks with a graffiti and poster proof surface.

3. EXCHANGE OF RESERVE LAND - ALDERSHOT STREET RR 6230

Officer responsible	Author
Parks Manager	L A Burn, Property Services Officer
Corporate Plan Output: Parks Unit Consents

The purpose of this report is to obtain a Council resolution to exchange reserve land for Housing land in Aldershot Street, Wainoni.

BACKGROUND

The land owned by the Council for recreation purposes was originally intended to be an accessway from Aldershot Street to Wainoni Park but is actually a driveway serving rental housing property owned by Housing New Zealand. The formed public accessway to Wainoni Park is situated some 80 metres to the south on Aldershot Street but still retained in the ownership of Housing New Zealand. Agreement has been reached with Housing New Zealand to correct this anomaly in use by way of a straight exchange of the titles.

It is not clear how this situation came about but it is believed to be a conveyancing error. Regardless, the exchange proposed will resolve the title defect and have absolutely no impact or affect to the situation on the ground. Agreement has been reached with Housing New Zealand that the Crown meet all the costs of implementing the exchange (advertising and Department of Conservation fees) in recognition that the Council is to receive a title of slightly lesser area (2m²) and is to attend to the procedural actions. A valuation has not been obtained of each title as the difference in value (if any) would likely be insignificant, not warranting any cash equality of exchange.

CONCLUSION

In order to proceed with the exchange it will be necessary for the Council to pass the following resolution:

Resolution

"The Council pursuant to Section 15 of the Reserves Act 1977 resolves to exchange the land described in Schedule 1 (Christchurch City Council for recreation purposes) for the land described in Schedule 2 (Her Majesty The Queen, for State Housing Purposes):

Schedule 1

All the land containing 110 square metres or thereabouts being Lot 2 Deposited Plan 46591 and being all the land comprised in Certificate of Title 25K/359.

Schedule 2

All the land containing 108 square metres or thereabouts being Lot 1 Deposited Plan 46591 and being all the land comprised in Certificate of Title 25K/358."

Note: In accordance with Section 15(2) of the Reserves Act 1977, prior notice of the intention to pass the above resolution was given in the Christchurch Press on Friday 19 September 1997.

Recommendation: That the Council adopt the above resolution.

4. WARREN PARK DISUSED ACCESSWAY RR 6139

Officer responsible	Author
Parks Manager	L A Burn , Property Services Officer
Corporate Plan Output: Parks Unit, Capital - Fixed Assets - Land Sale Revenue (9.4.110)

The purpose of this report is to obtain approval to revoke the reservation as a recreation reserve of a disused accessway, being part of Warren Park, to enable disposal and amalgamation with the adjoining residential title. The report has been referred to the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board for the Board's information, which has in response to internal circulation, indicated its support of the intention to sell the land to the adjoining owner.

BACKGROUND

The subject land is a disused right-of-way originally designated for providing access to Warren Park from Springs Road. This land is fenced in with the residential property on the north eastern boundary at 191 Springs Road and comprises some 179.30 square metres. This land, it is understood, has never been used as an accessway to Warren Park and has effectively formed part of the adjacent residential property (191 Springs Road) since the 1970s. Adjacent to the south boundary of this residential property is a further right-of-way which is used for vehicle and pedestrian access to the Park from Springs Road. The successive owners of 191 Springs Road have occupied the right-of-way and from the street, gives the appearance of private property. Attempts have been made over the years to interest the adjoining owner/s in purchasing the land, but have until now been unsuccessful.

DISPOSAL

The Parks Manager confirms that the subject land is not needed as a right-of-way, as Warren Park is well serviced with public access points and has two clear frontages with Springs Road and Wilmers Road. No business unit of the Council has indicated or registered any interest in the land. The current owner of 191 Springs Road, Mr Drayton, has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement to purchase the land for amalgamation with his title. The property owner on the northern side of the right-of-way, at 187 Springs Road, has confirmed in writing that he has no intention or interest in purchasing the reserve land and has no objection to this land being offered to Mr Drayton. The Council's policy requires that, unless there is good reason, Council land should be disposed of by public tender. In this case it is not practical to dispose of the land to anyone else except the immediate adjoining owners. As one of these owners has confirmed non-interest, it is considered only practical to dispose of the land to the only remaining adjoining owner, Mr Drayton. Agreement is held with Mr Drayton to sell him the land (subject to revocation being successful) at the Council valuer's assessment of $10,000, inclusive of GST if any.

CONCLUSION

It is apparent there is no requirement to retain this strip of land, as it would seem it never has been used as a public accessway to Warren Park, nor is it ever likely to be required for this purpose. The Park has adequate alternative access from either Springs or Wilmers Roads. To dispose of the land will first require the consent of the Minister of Conservation to revoke the reservation, which must be publicly notified thereby giving the opportunity for public consultation on this proposal. The costs in raising title to the land, including survey, legal and Department of Conservation fees, are estimated at $1,000 to $1,200. The Council should meet these costs in order to realise market value for the land.

The above proposal was supported by the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board on 1 October 1997.

Recommendation:

That, pursuant to Section 24 1(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, the Council resolve to revoke the reservation over the north eastern right-of-way connecting Warren Park with Springs Road, being part lot 1 DP 34231, 179.30 square metres (subject to survey) shown marked A on the plan attached.
That, subject to no objections being sustained and upheld following public notification, the Council seek the consent of the Minister of Conservation to the revocation of reservation for the purpose of disposing of the land.
That, subject to recommendations 1 and 2, the Council approve disposal of the land to Mr G W Drayton for amalgamation to his title to 191 Springs Road at a purchase price of $10,000, inclusive of GST if any.

5. FUTURE USE OF CURATOR'S HOUSE, BOTANIC GARDENS RR 6297

Officer responsible	Author
Parks Manager	Kelvin McMillan, Parks Planner
Corporate Plan Output: Botanical Services

The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on proposals regarding the Botanic Gardens Curator's House and to seek guidance on the future use of the building.

In March 1995 the Council approved the Botanic Gardens Management Policy Document for implementation.

Policy 1:13 concerned the old Curator's House which is situated in the south east corner of the Gardens adjacent to Rolleston Avenue and the Avon River. The policy stated:

"Policy 1.13 Registrations of interest shall be invited for alternative uses (such as a restaurant) for the Curator's house, complementary to its Botanic garden location and purpose."

A prerequisite for the public advertisement of the building for other uses was the preparation of a building Conservation Plan. Discussions were also held with Historic Places Trust and an engineering/structural report on the building's suitability for public use prepared. The outcome of the above indicate that it may not be economically viable or historically appropriate to use the building for public purposes as originally envisaged in the Management Plan Policy.

BACKGROUND

The building known as the Curator's House is a substantial building, with its design showing the influence of a combination of the Arts and Crafts movement and English Tudor domestic design. Built in 1920 it was designed by the Christchurch architectural firm of Collins and Harman to replace an earlier timber cottage. Until 1983 it was occupied by the Curator of the Botanic Gardens. Subsequently it has been leased as private residential accommodation.

HISTORICAL STATUS

The building does not have a rating under the Historic Places Act 1993. However it is listed as a group 3 building in the City Plan notified in June 1995.

Group 3 listed heritage items include buildings, places and objects which are of regional or metropolitan significance, the protection of which is seen as desirable where this can be reasonably achieved.

For Group 3 heritage buildings the "strength of the rules has been devised on the following basis". - Retention desirable; demolition discretionary; alterations/removal controlled.

A Resource Consent would be required for any work to the exterior or interior form and/or fabric of the building.

Discussions have been held with NZ Historic Places Trust's Regional Officer as to the acceptability of modifying the Curator's House to enable its use for purposes other than residential accommodation.

The Historic Places Trust and Council's City Design and Heritage Section would prefer that the house retain its existing use.

"Our reasons are as follows:

Traditionally Botanic Gardens have a curator's house within the garden environs. The current building and its predecessor have been discreetly located, occupying only a small proportion of land, on the boundary of the park.

While the current curator is not occupying these premises his successor may want to do so.

The current tenants would be happy to remain in the building.

Any public use is going to require major strengthening to bring the building to the required code and the report which the Council has had prepared indicates that this would be a costly exercise.

A new use would require alterations to the original interior layout of the house which would considerably detract from the heritage significance of the building.

The Trust encourages the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings when the original use can no longer continue. However in the case of the Curator's house its domestic use can continue whereas adaptation for some public use would inevitably require intrusive and costly modification."

SEISMIC AND STRUCTURAL STRENGTHENING

An engineer's report was commissioned by the Parks Unit to ascertain the structural suitability of the building for public use. The report concluded that the building is below average in respect of earthquake risk according to the NZNSEE publication system. Additional preliminary calculations have shown the building to be deficient in the internal ground floor walls, first floor walls and has minor deficiencies in the foundations.

Section 46 of the Building Act 1991 which refers to a change of use for a building requires the building structure (with reference to structural stability only) to comply with the provisions of the building code. This includes floor loading and seismic response. The level of strengthening proposed in the NZNSEE document is generally considered satisfactory to comply with the building code requirements regarding seismic strength.

First Floor

The first floor internal walls will probably require re-lining to improve their bracing capacity. Floor joists will need to be effectively tied into the load bearing walls.

Ground Floor

The 100 x 75 bearers need to be adequately fixed to the piles and footing to prevent movement off the supports.

Internal walls will be required to either be removed and alternate walls placed or they can be braced to increase the in plane and out of plane strength. This could be achieved by attaching new timber framing and lining with good bracing strength, to the existing walls.

Chimneys

The chimneys above roof level require bracing back to the roof rafters to prevent toppling.

The above modifications are required to make the building `safe' for public use will have a significant impact on the buildings historic character and would require a resource consent. Access for wheelchairs would also have to be provided. The cost of these modifications has not been estimated to date.

COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

The building's commercial potential has been assessed by the Property Unit.

The Property Manager reports:

The building is well placed in this section of the Botanic Gardens, and establishes a harmonious relationship with its immediate surroundings. The north, and principal elevation forms a focus to and termination of the view southwards down the gravel path on the eastern side of the Armstrong Lawn. The view northwards along this path is terminated by the building of the Canterbury Museum. Both externally and internally the form and character of the building is substantially the same as when it was first built.

The ground floor contains a kitchen, dining room and laundry while the first floor contains three bedrooms, a bathroom and toilet. In considering the house's potential for uses other than residential cognisance has to be taken of the historical significance of the house together with the structural requirements should it be converted for other uses. The preliminary assessment of costs for the recommended strengthening as listed in the report from Connell Wagner is estimated at $101,000 + GST as follows:

1.	Reline all internal faces of First Floor walls with 9.5 gib-board	19.000
2.	Effectively tie the First Floor floor joists into the load bearing walls	15.000
3.	Refix 100x75 bearers to the existing piles and footings.	29.000
4.	Brace Ground Floor internal walls by relining with Gib-brace wall lining.	6.100
5.	Grouting up existing cracks in mortar of external Ground Floor stonework. Prov.	6.000
6.	Strengthening of chimneys	3.000
7.	Contingency Allowance	7.900
8.	City Design: Design and Supervision Fees say	15.000
		$101.000

It is important to stress that these costs relate solely to the strengthening requirements and do not include any internal renovations or fit outs. The cost of converting the building for some other use would be considerably higher, given that if adopted for a commercial or public use it would be necessary to:

Provide access for disabled persons.
Provide ground floor toilets for both sexes accessible by disabled persons. For toilets to be readily available without leaving the building would require the provision of an extension to the rear of the building.
If public access to the building was required during evening hours adequate security would be required to prevent access to the Botanic Gardens.
Currently the site provides parking for 2-3 vehicles which would be insufficient for any commercial or public use.

In considering purely commercial uses it should be noted the area is well served with cafes and restaurants there being seven in the immediate vicinity while there is also adequate office space available in the general area. To be utilised as a cafe or restaurant would require a degree of alteration to the existing layout, which would effectively destroy the historical significance of the property. Taking the above factors into consideration it is not believed the use of the building for commercial purposes is a viable option.

POTENTIAL USES

Ideas for the potential use of the building have ranged from continuing to rent the building out for residential purposes; using the building for arts and crafts displays; a home garden display area; offices for gardens related consultants; a headquarters for World Wildlife Fund; or a cafe or restaurant. However all uses that allow the public access would require seismic strengthening of the building. Also any modification of the building's form or structure will require a resource consent to ensure its historical integrity is not compromised.

The Parks Unit has also received a speculative commercial proposal from a private company for the lease of the building and surrounding grounds.

LEGAL PARAMETERS

The land on which the Curator's House stands is held pursuant to the Reserves Empowering Act 1971 and is specifically singled out as being "vested in the Corporation for an estate in fee simple as a reserve for a Botanic Garden".

The reserve is also classified pursuant to the Reserves Act 1977 as a Local Purpose (Botanic Garden) Reserve.

Section 61 of the Reserves Act sub-section (1) states:

"61. Powers (including leasing) in respect of local purpose reserves - (1) The administering body of a local purpose reserve may, in the exercise of its functions under Section 40 of this Act, do such things as it may from time to time consider necessary or desirable for the proper and beneficial management, administration, and control of the reserve and for the use of the reserve for the purpose specified in its classification.

(2) The administering body, in the case of a local purpose reserve that is vested in the administering body, is hereby declared to be a leasing authority of that reserve for the purposes of the Public Bodies Leases Act 1969."

The Public Bodies Leases Act requires the Council to put out for public tender the leasing of any local purpose reserve.

To sum up the Council is required by the Reserves Act and Reserves Empowering Act to ensure that uses of the Botanic Garden conform with the purpose for which the Gardens are held, i.e. as a botanic garden.

OPTIONS

A range of options are possible for the future use of the building.

A. Retain as Residential Dwelling - Rented

Advantages

Residential historic character of building retained.
Market rental retained.
No seismic strengthening required.

Disadvantages

No Public access to building.
No utilisation of building for botanic garden purposes except maintenance of historic building associations with gardens.

B. Use building for Botanic Gardens staff or community purposes with public access.

Advantages

Potentially makes better use of the building for botanic gardens purposes.

Disadvantages

Requires seismic strengthening and compliance with Building Code.
Will compromise historical integrity of building (as a result of seismic strengthening).

C. Commercial Lease of Building

Advantages

Potentially higher financial return to the Council.
Potential for innovative use of building at no running cost to the Council.

Disadvantages

Seismic strengthening required plus refitting at considerable cost.
Building's historic character make building renovation difficult and places constraints on commercial activity.
Lack of car parking a significant constraint.
Commercial viability of a venture in this building will be difficult to achieve.

CONCLUSION

The historic nature and small size of the building, lack of car parking, seismic strengthening requirements, and need for any potential building use to relate to the Botanic Gardens functions make finding alternative uses for the Curator's House difficult.

Commercial use of the building is probably not likely to be viable and would require the Council to undertake expensive seismic strengthening in addition to any refitting required.

Community or Gardens staff use of the building could be undertaken. However seismic work and some modification to the historic fabric of the building would be required.

RECOMMENDATION

That Policy 1:13 in the Botanic Gardens Policy Document be revoked and replaced with a new policy to read:

"The Curator's House shall be maintained and utilised to reflect its historic building status and historic relationship with the Botanic Gardens."
"That the building continue to be available for residential purposes."

The Committee did not support the staff recommendation. The members considered that renting the house for residential purposes did not make the best use of the building or realise its full potential. It was agreed that a suitable alternative use should be found for the building, complementary to its botanic garden location and purpose.

Recommendation: That registrations of interest be invited for alternative uses for the Curator's House, Botanic Gardens.

6. APPOINTMENT OF FOREST AND RURAL FIRE OFFICERS RR 6225

Officer responsible	Author
Parks Manager	Craig Oliver, Parks Manager
Corporate Plan Output: Rural Fire Fighting

The purpose of this report is to recommend the appointment of new Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers to enable the Council in its role as Fire Authority, to comply with the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

The appointment of Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers and Rural Fire Officers is governed by availability of personnel, training and the Rural Fire Code of Practice. At present the position of Principal Rural Fire Officer (Craig Oliver, Parks Manager) is appointed by the Council as are the Deputy positions.

Owing to internal staff changes there is now a need to appoint new Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers so that the Council can meet the requirements of the Rural Fire Code of Practice, the Fire Plan and the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 13 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977, the Council needs to revoke all previous appointments of Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers and appoint the following persons as Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers.

Keith A Marshall (Rural Fire Team Leader)

Paul N Devlin (Supervising Park Ranger Port Hills)

Warren P Hunt (Park Ranger Resident Bottle Lake Forest)

These new appointments will take effect immediately and will apply in the area for which the Christchurch City Council is the Fire Authority pursuant to the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 and the Bottle Lake and Chaneys Rural Fire Districts.

Recommendation:

That the Council revoke all previous Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer appointments and discharge the officer sub-committee which was appointed by the Council on 24 September 1990 for the purpose of appointing Rural Fire Officers.
That pursuant to Section 13 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977, Mr Keith A Marshall, Mr Paul N Devlin and Mr Warren P Hunt each be appointed as Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officers for the City of Christchurch and Bottle Lake and Chaneys Rural Fire Districts.
That a sub-committee comprising the Principal Rural Fire Officer and any Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer be appointed to select and appoint additional Rural Fire Officers as required from time to time. This sub-committee is to be known as the Rural Fires Sub-Committee.

SOUTH NEW BRIGHTON CAMPING GROUND - CAMPING CHARGES

RR 6305

Officer responsible	Author
Leisure and Community Services Manager	Lyall Matchett
Corporate Plan Output: Camping Grounds Leased - Page 8.4.38

The purpose of this report is to gain Council approval for the South New Brighton Camping Ground to increase its camping charges for the coming summer season.

Charges were last increased in May 1993.

The lessee has advised that fixed costs such as rent, rates, electricity and water charges have increased over the past four years and these costs can no longer be absorbed.

The proposed charges in comparison to the current charges are follows:

	Power Sites	Non Powered Sites
	Current	Proposed	Current	Proposed
1 Adult per night	$11.00	$12.00	$8.00	$11.00
2 Adults per night	$17.00	$20.00	$15.00	$18.00
Children	$4.00	$5.00	$4.00	$5.00
Family Rate
2 Adults, 2 Children	$22.00	$26.00	$21.00	$25.00

Comparison with other camping grounds in Christchurch are as follows:

Spencer Park	Powered	Non Powered
Adult	$9.50	$8.50
Children	$4.50	$4.00
Minimum Charge	$11.00	$9.00
Meadow Park
Adult	$10.00	$10.00
Children	$5.00	$5.00
Extra Adult	$10.00	$10.00
Russley Park
2 Adults	$19.00	$16.00
Child	$5.50	$5.00
Extra Adult	$9.50	$9.50

While the 1 Adult per night charge is higher than the other camping grounds, Spencer Park has a minimum charge. Most campers are families or come under the 2 Adult category which at $20 per night is the same or only slightly above the other camps.

The charges proposed by the South New Brighton Camping Ground are in line with other Christchurch Camps. The offer of a Family Rate is not provided by other camping grounds and for a family of 2 Adults and 2 Children their rates would still be $2-$4 cheaper per night.

Recommendation: That the proposed increased charges for South New Brighton Camping Ground be approved.

8. QEII GOLF PARK - EXTENSION OF RESTAURANT HOURS RR 6311

Officer responsible	Author
Leisure and Community Services Manager	Alan Direen
Corporate Plan Output: Golf Courses - Leased, QEII Golf Park - Corporate Plan Page 8.3.46

The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for a proposal received from New Zealand Premier Golf Ranges Ltd, leaseholders of Ascot Golf Course and the QEII Park Golf Driving Range, to vary the sub-lease to extend the hours of operation of the licensed premises. Further, as the business use of the head lease is for a golf course, driving range and ancillary activities and the sublessee is applying for a restaurant/function centre use, it will also be necessary to vary the head lease to provide for the expanded use.

DETAILS OF SUB LEASE

Sub Tenant Christine Ann Lewis and John Lawrence Burnnand both of Christchurch, Restaurateurs.

Term. By termination on 3 months notice from either party.

The present sub-lease has been approved by the Property Manager under delegated authority.

Currently the restaurant is able to open until 11.00 pm each evening. The leaseholder requests approval for new opening hours as follows:

Sunday to Wednesday	12.00 am
Thursday to Saturday	3.00 am

BACKGROUND

The leaseholders have advised that they are experiencing increased demand for the facility to open beyond the current closing time. The sub tenants have advertised the proposed changes as required under the Resource Management Act. They have received one letter of support, from the Ascot/Freeville Residents Group, and no objections.

QEII Park Management support the proposal. QEII Golf Park and its associated licensed premises are well run. The New Zealand Police have confirmed that they have never had to attend the restaurant for any kind of disturbance. The proposed hours are primarily intended to allow the operator to cater for the increased demand for special functions. QEII Park Management's sole request is that the security barrier arm currently located at the Frosts Road entrance to the Driving Range be relocated to the access way between the Driving Range and the QEII Stadium car park. This barrier would be secured each night at the same time as other QEII Park barrier arms, thus ensuring closure of the greater QEII Park.

Recommendation:

That the Council approve:

The proposed extended hours of operation, subject to the applicant obtaining a resource consent.
A variation of the business use of the Head Lease to allow the use of the premises as a Restaurant/ Function centre.

9. QEII - OPERATING HOURS

In the course of considering a report on activities at Queen Elizabeth II Park, the Committee noted certain anomalies in the opening and closing times of the QEII Park facilities. In discussing this issue, the Committee agreed that there was a clear need for flexibility in the operating hours of these facilities to ensure the requirements of patrons are met and a good standard of service is provided. The Committee therefore suggests that authority be delegated to the Park Manager to vary the operating hours for the various activities within the QEII Park complex to respond to public demand.

The Committee also discussed swimming pool operating hours and the need to adjust opening times to reflect current recreation trends and demand for use. The Leisure and Community Services Manager was requested to report back to the Committee on this matter.

Recommendation:

That authority be delegated to the Manager, QEII Park to determine the operating hours for Queen Elizabeth II Park Stadium and Sports Centre.

PART B - REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

10. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT

(a) CAR PARKING - NORTH HAGLEY PARK

Dr Richard Hawthornwaite, President, United Bowling Club, outlined the parking problems currently being experienced by the United Sports Clubs in North Hagley Park. Dr Hawthornwaite requested that additional parking spaces be provided to replace the 20 or so car parks which had been lost in recent years as a result of landscape enhancements and tree protection requirements.

The Committee appointed a sub-committee comprising the Chairman and Councillor Cox, together with appropriate staff, to investigate the problem and report back to the Committee.

(b) CURATOR'S HOUSE - BOTANIC GARDENS

Mr Giles Barker and Mr Bernard Johnson presented a proposal for the future use of the old Curator's House. The project, the "Bloomsbury Concept" proposes the establishment of a restaurant/cafe and associated "living/working" herb and vegetable garden. An assurance was given that the various concerns raised in the staff report could be met and the architectural integrity of the building would not be compromised.

11. GREYHOUND RACING AT QUEEN ELIZABETH II PARK RR 6310

The Leisure and Community Services Manager reported, advising that the Greyhound Racing Club had relocated its operation from QEII Park to Addington Raceway. In noting that the relocation will enable QEII Park management to seek replacement activities, the Committee paid tribute to the efforts of Alan Direen in promoting QEII and attracting new activities to the park.

The Committee placed on record its appreciation to Alan Direen on his efforts.

The Park Manager was also requested to report bi-monthly to the Committee on park activities.

12. ITEM RECEIVED

13.1 Council Recreation Programme Participation

Statistics: 1996/97 RR 6317

The Committee received a report detailing the levels of participation in Council recreation programmes delivered or facilitated by the "CCC Leisure Team".

13. ITEMS DEFERRED

The Committee deferred consideration of the following reports:

13.1 Rose Historic Chapel - Renaming of Reserve RR 6330

This report was held over to the November meeting of the Committee to enable representatives of the Rose Historic Trust to make submissions in support of the renaming of the reserve on which the Rose Historic Chapel is situated.

13.2 Travis Wetland - Nature Heritage Park

Draft Landscape Development Plan RR 6235

The Committee resolved that a special meeting be held to consider the draft plan prior to it being released for public comment.

PART C - REPORT ON DELEGATED DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE COMMITTEE

14. SUGARLOAF TRANSMISSION SITE RR 6333

The Parks Manager reported, seeking approval for Broadcasting Communications Limited to carry out a strengthening upgrade of the Sugarloaf Transmitting Tower. The site is leased to BCL by the Crown and administered by the Christchurch City Council.

The Committee resolved that the Committee on behalf of the Council as administering body of the lease grant consent for BCL to structurally strengthen the Sugarloaf Transmission Tower subject to the following conditions:

The construction work being in accordance with the layout drawing 19361/11.
Access being permitted at all times for surveyors to the trig station within the construction safety zone should this be required.
No additional or new transmission equipment/services being installed on the tower unless the necessary consents are obtained pursuant to the lease or relevant legislation.
A building consent being obtained prior to any site work commencing.
All reasonable and proper environmental safeguards being taken to minimise vegetation and soil damage during the construction period and that an adequate bond be taken by the Parks Manager to ensure landscape and soil restoration work needed following the work is carried out.

15. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

The Committee resolved that the draft resolution to exclude the public set out on page 26 of the agenda be adopted.

CONSIDERED THIS 22ND DAY OF OCTOBER 1997

MAYOR

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