Battle for Crossways continues

The Crossways Community Trust says it is disappointed that St Andrews Presbyterian Church has turned down a substantial sum for the Crossways community centre in Mount Victoria. The Trust says it will continue to try and buy the building so it can be saved for community ownership.

“It would be a tragedy if Mount Victoria residents were to lose this iconic building which contains a crèche and well-used community centre,” Crossways Community Trust Chair Bill Southworth said.

“We have no choice now but to try and raise more money so we can compete with non-community buyers on the open market,” he said.

“On instructions from the Presbyterian Property Trust the church has decided to seek the highest possible price for it. We appreciate this puts the local church in a difficult position,” Mr Southworth said.

Mr Southworth said that the price offered by the Trust was the current market value determined by an independent professional valuation that took into account current market conditions. He said that the valuer had accepted advice from the city council that planning rules and the likely historic listing of Crossways ruled out the possibility of demolishing it for a multi-unit development.

Mr Southworth said that the valuation is lower than the church’s asking price. The basis of the church’s price has not been made available.

The church is selling the property in order to raise money to develop a complex on The Terrace in addition to the urgent need to earthquake proof and refurbish the St Andrews church

The Trust, formed by local Mt Victoria residents, has conducted a vigorous fund raising campaign in an effort to keep Crossways in the community and will continue to do so.

Donations towards the Save Crossways campaign can be made to Kiwibank account: 38-9006-0800237-00. If you would like a receipt please email us.

If you would like to learn more, or get involved in the campaign please contact us.