Late last year, the boundary changes to the tennis court land were finally completed, though the CPT (Church Property Trustees) lawyer had some additional work to complete earlier this year for the change to be finalised. That means that the sale of the tennis courts can now go ahead. After our experience with recent efforts, the real estate agent advised that an easy and simple sale would be preferable, rather than trying to reach agreement with a developer for the construction of a vicarage. Therefore Vestry recommended that just the three titles covered by the tennis courts and green area be offered for sale with the vicarage land retained. If, however, a developer advanced an offer for the whole land with a new vicarage as part of the deal, that could be considered by Vestry as well.

Our last Parish resolution on the sale still states that a sale to the Christchurch Methodist Mission is envisioned, but authorises Vestry to look for alternatives. That has enabled Vestry to begin the marketing and sale process, but we have been advised to get Parish approval for the sale. Vestry has therefore passed a motion to ask the Wardens to call a Special General Meeting. At this meeting we will consider a new motion for the sale of the property.

Vestry also thought that we won’t decide quite yet whether the current vicarage should be upgraded or a new vicarage built on the site. That consideration can be a second step requiring some more information on the state of the current vicarage, the cost of upgrading it and the alternative of building new. 

Youth Centre Solar Panels

The Papanui Youth Development Trust has obtained a grant to install solar roof panels. Because the roof of their building is sloping south, this is not suited for the installation of roof panels. They have therefore requested to install those panels on the hall roof. Vestry has agreed to this project. The Church would receive $1,400 a year (to be adjusted by inflation) for having the panels on the roof, but at this stage the electricity would go to the youth centre. A legal agreement still has to be worked out and approved by CPT. For more information on this project, please talk to the Wardens or to me.