Govan is tower developer

The Press can today reveal Bert Govan is the property developer behind a proposal to build an office block development on the Ferrymead Tavern site that has sparked widespread criticism and created a planning migraine for the Christchurch City Council.

Speculation over the identity of the scheme's backer has been swirling for weeks, fuelled by the fact the planning application was handled through an agent who refused to reveal who was paying his bills. Not even the mayor and council staff have known his identity.

The Press learned yesterday Govan may be the backer, but when contacted he said he could not comment.

After taking public relations advice, he decided to meet for an interview last night, and he has made an appointment to meet Mayor Garry Moore this morning to flesh out his plans.

Govan, 49, who made his money through car dealerships and property investments, said he was left "speechless" by the response to his original plan, but there was no desire to be secretive about what he was up to.

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