Fallowell recently toured New Zealand, and during a visit to Dunedin, he was particularly impressed with Harrop St. He published a book about his travels entitled New Zealand: Going As Far As I Can.
Hands Off Harrop member Barbara Brinsley said Fallowell had published many popular travel and history books, and based on his well-read commentaries on culture and history, the group asked him to support its campaign.
In a statement about Harrop St, Fallowell said: ‘‘This is one of the most charming urban spots in New Zealand - Dunedin waving to Salisbury or Winchester. Are you sure you want to throw it away for yet another atrium?
‘‘The place for the development for conference facilities would be in an old shipping warehouse where modern design could really take off and do its thing."
The present proposal for Harrop St will compromise both the classical town hall and the modern attachment, and the result will just look as though a factory has been dumped in the wrong place.
‘‘Start searching for that unwanted warehouse and please leave Harrop St alone.''
Mrs Brinsley said his statement added considerable weight to Hands Off Harrop's argument and the group hoped it would discourage the desecration of Harrop St.
