A Christchurch City Councillor says $200,000 to light up a CBD mural is money well spent - because small touches help bring people into the city.

The lights were installed on Press Lane to address concerns it felt uninviting after dark.

The Taxpayers' Union says the cash could have been better spent.

Councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine says creating a vibrant city requires choices that cost money.

"The big problem with Courtenay Place, with Queen Street - partly, it's the pipes that are leaking - and also, there's no sense of fun. There's no sense of beauty and excitement in those cities." 

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