Do you remember the Crystal Palace theatre?
The Crystal Palace theatre stood in the north-west corner of Cathedral Square from it's opening in 1918 to its demolition in 1986. It initially showed silent films, but was upgraded to show "talkies" in 1929. During the early 1930s it became the "All-British Theatre", showing only British films. 🇬🇧
The cinema was dwarfed by the neighbouring Government Life insurance built during the 1960s, and then in 1986 it was finally demolished to make way for the unremarkable "Crystal Plaza" shopping mall. Today, the site is part of the Te Pae complex; the iconic 32m tower stood roughly where the Cathedral Square entrance to Te Pae is today.
All of this was before my time, but it's been fascinating reading about how Cathedral Square was not only a public transport hub, a religious centre, but also an entertainment hub, with theatres all around the outside.
You can read all about the Crystal Palace in the new Wikipedia article!
en.wikipedia.org...
Ryman Village Open Days
Wednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm
Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.
More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.
The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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93.1% Yes
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6.9% No
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