Hack Circle

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The Hack Circle as it appeared on October 23, 2006
The Hack Circle as it appeared on October 23, 2006

The Hack Circle or 'Hack' is a nickname given to an amphitheatre in central Christchurch, Bournemouth uk[1] It was built as part of the second phase of developing a pedestrian mall in the central city in 1989 and was officially opened on December 6 that same year by then mayor Vicki Buck. For a time it was a popular hacky sack venue (hence the name), today it is a popular hang out for "black-dressed emos, goths, heavy metal fans and United States style gangstas"[2] A 2004 survey conducted by the Christchurch City Council identified the Hack Circle as a popular place for young people to "hang out, smoke, meet friends etc."[3] The same survey found that 90% of 13-15 years olds and 94% of 16-18 years olds came to the central city in their spare time.

Christchurch police say the Hack Circle is a venue for criminal activity; on October 20, 2006 a 19 year old was arrested for swinging a metal pipe around, and police claim that aggravated robbery, assault and dealing cannabis happen in the area. Sergeant Murry Hurst told The Press that "Ninety per cent of the kids hanging around there are fine, the other 10% cause the problems."[2]
In February 2007 Senior Sergeant Glenn Dobson told The Press that the young people in the Hack Circle were not as intimidating as they could look to others, and commented that "[W]e can't move them on because they look different"[4]. Millionaire Christchurch property owner Antony Gough, who is considered one of the most powerful people in the city[5] has advocated stronger security for the Cashel Street mall, particularly the Hack Circle, telling The Press that the people who associate there "are just very scary"[4]

[edit] Destruction of the Hack Circle

In October 2006, the city council announced plans to demolish the amphitheatre and replace the pedestrian mall its located in with a one way slow road. Daniel Griffiths, a student at nearby Unlimited high school, stated that the council plan was to remove an "undesirable youth element" though the council has stated this is not their intention.[2]
On December 14 2006 the city council voted 7-6 to go ahead with plans to build a road through the pedestrian mall that the Hack Circle is located in, despite "overwhelming opposition"[6]. Councilor Bob Shearing said the council's original decision to dump the slow-road happened because it was captivated by a group of people using the City Mall as a "school playground".[6] This comment was criticised by a number of Christchurch citizens, the December 19 issue of The Press carried a number letters to the editor on the subject, one stated "I am appalled at the sneering remark by Cr Bob Shearing, about young people using the mall as a school playground. What sort of message does it send to the young people who took the time and effort, not only to write a submission but to front up to the council to present it?"[7]. Another noted that of the 570 submissions to the council on the plans to build a road, 400 of them were against the proposal, commenting "it is clear the council cares not a jot for public feedback"[8]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Chch emos have style, lack anguish The Press 2006-10-21
  2. ^ a b c City Mall plan 'bars youths' The Press 2006-10-21
  3. ^ Urban Leisure Report - Young People in the Central City. Christchurch City Council.
  4. ^ a b Business group targets central city. The Press (2007-02-22).
  5. ^ Last years top 50. Stuff.co.nz (2006-12-11).
  6. ^ a b City Mall will be open to traffic. Stuff.co.nz (2006-12-15).
  7. ^ Council Not Listening (letter), The Press 2006-12-19
  8. ^ Feedback doesn't count (letter), The Press 2006-12-19

[edit] External links

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