Council postpones decision on Aidanfield farm buildings

Councillors decided to further investigate the possibility of retaining former farm buildings in the Aidanfield development in Halswell at a meeting yesterday. The buildings, once associated with the nearby St John of God Hospital and religious order, are sited on land currently being developed as a housing estate. They have fallen in to disrepair and there is no current identified use for them. Councillors proposed facilitating a working party of staff, elected members and external interests to look at options for saving the granary and shearing shed. They also decided that consideration of a staff report which recommends the Council does not buy the buildings should lie on the table until Councillors had undertaken a site visit. A deputation from the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board said that the buildings are part of a European heritage of farming. Mayor Garry Moore says it is important Council shows leadership in investigating whether heritage buildings such as these should be retained and looks for ways to find partnerships to make it happen.