Save The Hydro Grand
Hydro Grand
One would have to have a hard heart not to shed a tear while watching the earthquake memorial service in Christchurch. We all feel the sadness for the loss of life and loved ones and their homes but I also feel sadness for the loss of Christchurch’s historic buildings which were full of history and can never be replaced. Fortunately Christchurch is lucky to have such a strong decisive Mayor in Bob Parker who is determined to rebuild his City and will gather around him a group of likeminded people to help him do just that.
Unfortunately in Timaru we have councillors like Terry Kennedy who see Christchurch’s earthquake as an excuse to demolishone of our own historic icons the Hydro Grand Hotel. Mr Kennedy has no idea of the historic value of the building and I can’t believe his only answer for its replacement is to turn the land with the best view in Timaru into a kids playground.It must be remembered that a few years ago councillor Kennedy was one of the councillors who used the threat of an earthquake as an excuse to demolish the inside of the council building and turn it into the rabbit warren that is today. Togetherness was a word that was used many times at the Christchurch memorial services and if we could somehow import that attitude of togetherness into the hearts and minds of Timaruvians we could also rebuild the City of Timaru. Together we could restore and retain the facade of the Hydro Grand Hotel and alongside it build the 5 star hotel and conference centre that has been talked about for the last 30 years. As long as Timaru continues to have the attitude of selfishness in preference to togetherness by pooling resources it will never attract the circumstances needed for growth and prosperity.
Shame on you councillor Kennedy if you want to destroy Timaru’s history and greatest icon then you volunteer to drive the bulldozer to knock it over and we will put your name on the plaque.
