Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Opponents of Christchurch's proposed conservatorium of music have welcomed a ruling to fast track a High Court hearing on the project.

The University of Canterbury wants to build the conservatorium at the arts centre, but critics say it will affect the site's historic and cultural integrity.

The Save Our Arts Centre group claims the Arts Centre Trust Board overstepped its powers in pursuing the project.

The group applied to the High Court for an interim injunction to stop resource consent hearings scheduled for February going ahead until after a substantive court hearing on the legal issues surrounding the case.

In a decision released on Wednesday, Justice Fogarty turned down the application for an injunction, but said the substantive hearing would be heard as soon as possible.

Save Our Arts Centre spokesperson Dame Ann Hercus says she is pleased the judge has recognised the controversy is of serious public interest for the people of Canterbury.