University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr says he understands why the Christchurch City Council has decided to refer the proposal to establish a National Conservatorium of Music at the Christchurch Arts Centre for consultation.

At its monthly meeting today the city council agreed to undertake a special consultative procedure on the council's involvement, through a council-controlled trading organisation, in the funding, development and subsequent lease of a national conservatorium on the Arts Centre site. "The city council is being asked to fund construction of the building on the Hereford Street car parking site and recoup all costs through the University's lease payments, including expenses and interest payments incurred during the construction phase and the University's occupancy," Dr Carr says.

He says the proposed conservatorium development represents a significant opportunity for the city's economic and cultural development that would be realised without any cost to Christchurch ratepayers.

"Our proposal that the Christchurch City Council build the conservatorium facility and recover costs through a long-term rental agreement with the University represents a significant opportunity for the city. However, we do not want to intrude where we are not wanted and it makes sense for the University to hear and understand the views of the community.

"I welcome clarification from Mayor Bob Parker that the Special Consultative Procedure is not about the development being located on the Arts Centre site or the design of the building but on the council's role in funding the project."

The city council will consider the Statement of Proposal for the Special Consultative Procedure at its next meeting in two weeks. If adopted, the council would then consult, consider submissions and make a final decision on the proposal within two months.

Dr Carr says the University will continue to inform the community of the proposed development. The FAQs below represent some of the matters that have been raised by members of the public since the proposal was announced on 11 June. What is the University proposing? We are proposing that the City Council lease from the Arts Centre Trust Board an area of land on Hereford Street currently used for car parking, construct the conservatorium building and enter into a long- term rental agreement with the University.

Would it be ratepayers who paid for the building? No. The City Council would fund construction of the building and recoup all costs through the University's lease payments, including expenses and interest payments incurred during the construction phase and the University's occupancy.

Is it known how much it would cost to construct the building? The plans by Sir Miles Warren have been reviewed by two firms of quantity surveyors and we are confident that we have a realistic idea. It would not make sense for us to disclose that information before tenders have been let.

What if the cost of construction exceeded budget? Whatever the full cost of construction, it will be recovered through the University's lease payments. Is the proposed building suitable for the site? The plans have been presented to the City Council's Urban Design Panel, the Historic Places Trust and the Arts Centre Trust Board. After modifications made in response to their feedback all three organisations have approved the design in principle. The Civic Trust has also been briefed on the design.

Could it be smaller? The current size is considered to be necessary for a facility of this sort. Further, it is no higher than the surrounding buildings and the quadrangle it creates will be the largest of the quadrangles.

Why would the building need an auditorium? Performance would be the focus of our programmes at the conservatorium. An auditorium would be necessary for rehearsals and performances by staff, students and others, and would provide a venue for public lectures.

Would the building only be used during term times? The building would be used all year round by our staff and students, and other community groups such as schools and organisations involved in music performance.

Why is the University seeking to involve the city council? The city council has the standing to provide support for a development of this scale and long-term nature. The City, like the University, has been around for over a hundred years. It is that stability we need for the commitments involved in this project.

Could it be built elsewhere in the centre city? Some 800,000 visits are made to the Canterbury Museum and surrounding area each year by out of town visitors. It is this passing crowd, as much as the citizens of Christchurch, that we want to expose to the talent within our music programme. This would not be the case if the conservatorium was anywhere other than at the Arts Centre.

Isn't there already a National School of Music in Wellington? The joint venture between Massey and Victoria universities has been deferred until 2013, with costs of its proposed building estimated to be about $60 million. Our proposal is nowhere near as expensive and represents an opportunity for Canterbury to become a national leader in music education.

Would students be required to commute between Ilam and the Arts Centre? Some staff and students would be required to commute, notably music performance students. However, there are already students in our Theatre programme who commute to the Arts Centre. Further, some music programmes would continue to be offered at Ilam for the likes of students studying for a double degree.

How can I learn more about the proposal? Visit www.music.canterbury.ac.nz/conservatorium.