Opposition to Denton Park proposal

A controversial proposal to reclassify part of Christchurch’s Denton Park to make way for a $35.7 million pool and library facility faces overwhelming opposition.

However, city council staff have warned ‘‘strong advocacy by one or more local groups’’ could have influenced some of the 1444 submissions on whether the Hornby park’s reserve classification and management plan should be changed to allow the facility to be built.

Eighty-four per cent of more than 1400 submissions opposed reclassifying part of the park and changing its management plan.

The park’s classification and management plan needed to change before the building could be developed. The area proposed to

''The great majority . . . are against the proposed change.'' Denis Hampton

be re-zoned comprised 9766 square metres. A hearings panel heard submissions on the proposals yesterday.

In his submission, Save Denton Park’s Mark Peters stated the planned facility would be ‘‘totally contrary’’ to the intended use of the park when it was gifted by Stanley Denton in 1954. ‘‘It was stated in the transfer of the land that it was to be used ‘as and for the purposes of a recreation reserve’ – this was clearly the intention of the gifter, Mr Denton.’’

Denis Hampton has lived in the area for 36 years. He believed the main driver of the proposal was the need for a new library. ‘‘The present library is fine and it is fine for all those others that I talk to,’’ he said.

Denton Park was a ‘‘wonderful gift’’ from Stanley Denton that was given ‘‘solely for outdoor recreation’’.

‘‘In recent weeks I have talked to many people about what’s happening, both young and old. The great majority of those that I’ve spoken to . . . are against the proposed change,’’ Hampton said.

‘‘It was a wonderful green space that was gifted [and] Hornby can be very proud of it.

‘‘I urge the council to listen to the people.’’

Former Christchurch city councillor Bob Shearing was in favour of changing the Denton Park management plan and land classification. ‘‘Hornby’s always been a dog’s breakfast,’’ he said, pointing to traffic and pedestrian issues in the suburb.

Building the facility would require the council to develop a traffic management plan that would support the proposed development and existing traffic issues, Shearing said.

‘‘Hornby desperately needs a heart and I firmly believe this facility will be the heart,’’ he said.

Sport Canterbury spaces and places consultant Kevin Collier said his organisation initially backed Kyle Park as the preferred location, but later changed its position.

Some were of the opinion that city council staff were involved in influencing Sport Canterbury. ‘‘That is categorically not the case,’’ Collier said.

The proposed development would mean Hornby Rugby Football and Hornby Cricket clubs would each lose a ground.