A City Councillor wants more flowers and planters in Cathedral Square.

Cr Denis O’Rourke says he recently admired the colourful plantings in Chicago and believes Christchurch’s Square could match the America city’s brilliance.

He told the projects and property committee today that he would like to see more colour with plantings in the Square and the city’s main areas.

"The Square should be brilliant with colour and with hanging baskets. We must live up to the name of the Garden City. We must make a better effort," he said.

Library for sale

The committee will put up the former New Brighton library in Shaw Avenue up for sale as the new library at the Pier has opened.

The committee was told some interest had been shown in the building but not from the council.

Library extensions

No enthusiasm was shown for extending library space in the new New Brighton Library.

Cr Gail Sheriff said negotiations should be made to find a commercial tenant as was originally planned for the first floor. Cr Alister James thought that if the library took the space it would be difficult to get back if a commercial tenant was found.

The committee decided to ignore a recommendation by the community services committee, made earlier in the week, that the library take the space.