The UC National Conservatorium of Music

UC disappointed but unlikely to challenge Conservatorium decision

The University of Canterbury is disappointed that resource consent for a National Conservatorium of Music at the Arts Centre of Christchurch has been declined.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr believes it is unlikely that the University will be challenging the decision. Any final decision will follow discussion with the Christchurch City Council and Arts Centre Trust Board and will be made by the University Council.

Plans for the Conservatorium were announced in June 2009. An application for resource consent was heard by two independent commissioners at a hearing in Christchurch in February 2010.

Dr Carr says the University had believed the Conservatorium proposal presented a significant opportunity not just to the University, but the wider community.

"We also believed that the independent commissioners who heard the application for resource consent were the best people to determine whether the proposal was appropriate for the site. They have made that determination and I expect we will respect it."

Dr Carr says the Conservatorium proposal has been a significant project for the University.

“I would like to acknowledge the enthusiasm and dedication of our Music staff, our Facilities Management staff, the University Council, the Senior Management Team, and our legal, resource consent and other advisors.

“I also wish to thank the Christchurch City Council and the Arts Centre Trust Board for their unwavering commitment, and the many individuals and organisations that have provided their support publicly and privately.”

Dr Carr says future plans for the University's music facilities at its Ilam campus will be incorporated into the current campus master planning exercise, which is seeking to identify and prioritise capital development needs at the Ilam campus over the next decade.

For further information please contact:

John MacDonald
Corporate Affairs Manager
University of Canterbury

ph: 03 364 2910
cell: 021 417 289
john.macdonald@canterbury.ac.nz