Arts Centre market signals Ferrymead reopening

GLENN CONWAY

Last updated 05:00 25/04/2011

 

Perfect weather yesterday drew a large crowd to a new Christchurch venue for the Arts Centre market.

Hundreds flocked to Ferrymead Heritage Park for the market which was held for the first time since February's earthquake.

It also signalled the park's reopening.

Park manager Newton Dodge said it was an exciting development for the park and the market.

Shirley-Papanui city councillor Aaron Keown, who helped broker the arrangement, said the move was "a no-brainer".

"Ferrymead is pretty much untouched by the quake, and the Arts Centre market needed a new home, and tourists need somewhere to go," he said.

Keown said the Ferrymead area was poised to become the city's tourism hub.

"You have the gondola just up the valley and Black Cat Cruises on the other side of the tunnel.

"Plus there are a number of great restaurants in the area."

Free weekend admission to the park will be offered to attract more visitors.