Save the Westgate Community Hall!

In 2009, Canterbury

1.  

   Save the Westgate Hall!

 

City Council proposed the demolition of The Westgate Community Hall. The

100-year old building is of great importance to many Canterbury residents,

providing a venue for community events and activities including salsa dancing.

In response to the Council’s proposal, a facebook group was formed. Out of that

facebook group grew the Westgate Community Trust, a non-political group

comprised of volunteers, which is on a mission to save the Westgate Hall.

The Westgate Community

Trust were also a host in this year’s Big Lunch, which gave the Trust an

opportunity both to publicise their plight and to bring the community together.

 The Trust said of the Big Lunch at

Westgate:

‘Too often in the excitement generated by our city’s tourist

sites and the university, the people who live here and make sure the city

continues to thrive after visitors and students return to their homes feel

forgotten and/or ignored. We would like to take the opportunity of The Big

Lunch to shine the spotlight on our fellow residents to remind ourselves what a

dynamic multi- faceted community Canterbury is and create strong bonds amongst

us.’

Show your support for the Westgate Community Trust by letting

them know what you think and taking their survey:

‘Community feedback will define what the centre will

offer, and is evidence of need, essential for the Trust to demonstrate to the

Council that the Westgate Hall continues to play a vital role in Canterbury’s

life.’

For now, the Trust have prevailed, and the Westgate Hall

is safe until June 2011. The Trust continues to work for a more permanent assurance

that the Hall will be allowed to remain at the centre of Canterbury’s

community.

 

How do you feel about the Council’s proposal? What do

you think should happen with the Hall?