Christchurch City Council Legal Services Manager Peter Mitchell says the meeting is part of the public consultation process and will be an opportunity for public discussion and information sharing.

“It’s a chance for people to come along and get a better understanding of the property issues, heritage aspects and legal issues surrounding the future use of the building. Council officers will also be on hand to answer questions and clarify any issues,” he says.

The Very Reverend John Bluck, Dean of Christchurch, will chair the meeting.

The Robert McDougall Art Gallery will close its doors as the City's public art gallery on 16 June 2002 with the new Christchurch Art Gallery due to formally open in April 2003.

The City Council intends to retain ownership of the historic McDougall building, which was gifted to the city by Robert McDougall for the purpose of an art gallery. The Council resolved to seek the views of the public on alternative compatible uses of the building and began calling for submissions in February this year.

Submissions close at 4pm on Friday 12 April, 2002. Submitters will have the chance to speak to their submissions before a Council subcommittee in May.

Submissions should be addressed to Peter Mitchell, Legal Services Manager, Christchurch City Council, 163-173 Tuam Street, PO Box 237, Christchurch. People are asked to indicate on their submissions if they wish to speak before the subcommittee.