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 The question most frequently asked by first-time visitors to our home is: “What’s that big concrete thing in the middle of the valley?” Well, for those who don’t know, it’s a silo, a remnant of the once-busy maltworks complex. Nowadays the maltworks is a sad, crumbling hotchpotch of graffiti-festooned, mostly abandoned buildings: semi-dismantled, litter-strewn, weed-infested and decrepit.
Some of the maltworks' buildings feature gaping holes with shattered chunks of concrete suspended across the dark spaces, the product of unannounced and somewhat startling explosions created during a recent police training exercise. It’s a dreadful eyesore and no doubt blights the landscape for nearby residents who would love to be out of the shadow of this looming edifice, no longer confronted by fresh graffiti or disintegrating structures.
But is there any way we can discover a positive viewpoint to ease our sense of living daily alongside one of the ugliest landmarks in Christchurch? There may be some hidden benefits. As ownership of the complex has changed hands several times, each time signalling the demise of yet another bright development idea, the old maltworks fosters community spirit by keeping neighbours talking to each other as we collectively discuss our opinions or share ideas.
Additionally, the presence of crumbling unsightly buildings in our midst has possibly kept houses prices affordable for families who might not otherwise be able to live in the wonderful little haven our valley truly is. The resultant lower profit potential has arguably slowed the rapacious growth of multiple housing developments in Heathcote, which, even though we welcome newcomers to the neighbourhood, will change forever the landscape and the ethos of the valley. This has allowed us for now to preserve one of the valley’s most precious resources: the ‘village’ feel that affords so much pleasure as we stroll around in safety and quiet in the evenings, admiring well-established gardens and the creative upkeep of some of the city’s oldest homes. Perhaps, after all, this blot on our horizon does do us some service, albeit in a subtle way.
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