DISCUSSION | CHC Heritage [Archive]

Davee

September 28th, 2006, 03:17 PM

Over 350 events for Carter Group Heritage Week: 13 to 23 October

28 September 2006

This year’s Carter Group Heritage Week: “Celebrate – Great times, Great people, Great places” from 13 to 23 October - will bring together more than 350 events and activities to mark a year of celebrations in a city that’s just turned 150 years old.

Mayor Garry Moore says the theme “Celebrate Great times, Great people, Great places” plays on the major steps Christchurch has taken in carving a fabulous city out of very little in its 150 years. The city has achieved “Great times” thanks to the foresight of “Great people” who built “Great places” to nurture strong communities.

This year will be Christchurch’s 13th Heritage Week and the longest yet – spanning two weekends or 10 days jam-packed with opportunities to get first-hand experiences of local heritage.

Local communities and business groups will run events with core funding from the City Council, with activities and programmes focussed on aspects of local history for residents and visitors to Christchurch.

From listening to music in the unique settings of the Edmonds Factory Garden, the hold of the MV Tuhoe at Kaiapoi, Christ Church Cathedral, and Rose Historic Chapel, to following “undertaker” and historian, Richard Greenaway, around historic cemeteries as he recounts spine-tingling stories of those buried there on the Decra Art Spirited Cemetery tours, all tastes are catered for.

You might join a walk with Graeme Stanley, who was awarded the Heritage Week Ambassador 2004, or “Beat the Bounds” with Mayor Garry Moore. This is an adaptation of a centuries-old English tradition of walking the boundaries of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, during which historic features are explained and some musical items enjoyed.

Our City – Otautahi is exhibiting John Pascoe’s “Songs of Innocence – Photographs of New Zealand Childhood”, and the Christchurch Art Gallery has “Facing an Era”. This is a remarkable collection of early 20th century portrait postcards of anonymous New Zealanders, which capture the faces of a newly forged nation. Entry is free to both exhibitions.

Community-based events include “Hornby History comes to life at The Hub”, the official opening of the New Brighton Local History Museum, and a display of “Local buildings past and present” of Sumner Redcliffs areas at the Sumner Museum.

Christ Church Cathedral, as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations of the cathedral’s consecration and to raise funds for continuing restoration, also offers a wide range of events. This includes musical concerts in jazz, choir, Celtic, rock, chamber music, organ, and brass band, along with a Mystery Tour of the Cathedral, Circus in the Cathedral, a celebrity debate, and an exhibition of Seadrift – New Zealand’s first children’s book.

A radio documentary on Plains FM will explore two very diverse icons of local heritage - the Christ Church Cathedral and the State house on the 13 October.

The full programme of over 350 events is available at all Council libraries and services centres, and can be viewed on line at www.heritageweek.co.nz or requested by phoning 941 8628.

:)

Davee

October 6th, 2006, 12:31 PM

Here are some of the last views of the Cathedral

Enjoy

http://chch.communico.co.nz/images/gallery/155/thumbs/thumb_331.jpg

http://chch.communico.co.nz/images/gallery/155/thumbs/thumb_338.jpg

http://chch.communico.co.nz/images/gallery/155/thumbs/thumb_340.jpg

http://chch.communico.co.nz/images/gallery/155/thumbs/thumb_344.jpg

http://chch.communico.co.nz/images/gallery/155/thumbs/thumb_346.jpg

http://chch.communico.co.nz/images/gallery/155/thumbs/thumb_347.jpg

Davee

October 6th, 2006, 12:32 PM

Oh bugger, why have they come out small, when all the others have been alright!!!!!!

Sorry guys, will need to try and sort that.

Marky Mark

October 6th, 2006, 12:44 PM

Good find :wink2:

Cartel

May 5th, 2007, 08:27 AM

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i575331_293983.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

The Press | Saturday, 5 May 2007

ON THE MOVE: The roof and tower of the former Sunnyside Hospital administration building are taken from the site during demolition.

The former Sunnyside Hospital administration building in Christchurch was finally brought down to earth yesterday, ending a last-ditch battle to save the Gothic-style building.

A small band of 20 supporters staged a vigil to "mourn the loss of Christchurch heritage" on Lincoln Road near the site yesterday afternoon. By then demolition workers had already removed its roof and distinctive tower.

The building is being removed to make way for a Ngai Tahu residential subdivision. Efforts to save it faded last year when the Christchurch City Council decided the $1 million need to buy and restore the building was not justified without a clear future use. Attempts to find a private buyer also failed, and despite a campaign in the last month the 115-year-old structure was given demolition consent. Parts will be used in a memorial on site.

Cartel

May 5th, 2007, 04:58 PM

A 14 storey hotel & 4 storey extension is to be added to the 140 year old Warners hotel in Cathedral Square. Built on the site of the current beer garden in the SE corner of the Square. Construction set to commence in 2007.

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i466820_warners1novotel.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

The current building & it's location.

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i576592_use13122.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i576591_nnew17.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i576590_Kodak133.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i576589_Jordon079.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i576588_Ghetto008.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com)

Cartel

May 5th, 2007, 05:13 PM

The Press | Tuesday, 1 May 2007

Christchurch finds itself in the midst of another heritage row that should never have arisen, says The Press in an editorial.

The demolition of the Sunnyside administration building demonstrates that we do not have a consensus about preserving our past or the mechanisms to handle such cases without one side feeling cheated. Had we more agreement about heritage and a better way of evaluating it we would have been spared the last-minute wrangling and sense of injustice that characterise the Sunnyside row.

Just how fundamental these faults are is represented by the disagreement about the building's heritage value. The Christchurch City Council classified it as not worth preserving, a judgment presumably shared by its owners, Ngai Tahu, which is bulldozing it. Both ignore the fact that the building was the last significant remainder of Canterbury's colonial health system – a system fundamental to the success of the settlement and a solace to people cut off from the medical supports they had known in their homeland. That alone made the building worth saving.............

*** Editorial continues here:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/4043405a6528.html

Cartel

May 5th, 2007, 05:36 PM

The 31st session of the World Heritage Committee is being held in Christchurch - 23 June - 2 July 2007. Remember my post last year regarding the "cultural precinct" being considered for world heritage status due to it being home of the worlds finest collection of certain architectural styles.

http://www.conference.co.nz/index.cfm/31whc

http://whc.unesco.org/en/185/

Tekapo eyed as park in the sky
By PAUL GORMAN - The Press | Monday, 23 April 2007

Lake Tekapo's Mount John Observatory is being proposed as the centre of a heritage park in the sky. It was the viewing site for this photo of McNaught Comet.

New Zealand is racing to achieve the lofty ambition of securing the world's first United Nations heritage park in the sky....

timnz2000

May 6th, 2007, 07:22 AM

A 14 storey hotel & 4 storey extension is to be added to the 140 year old Warners hotel in Cathedral Square. Built on the site of the current beer garden in the SE corner of the Square. Construction set to commence in 2007.

While I'm all for new highrise development, it'll be a huge shame to lose the beer garden at Warners. Making the Sqaure a more vibrant place is the most important part of revitalising the Central City, in my opinion, and sacrificing the atmosphere of a backpacker bar for the cold sterility of a Novotel surely isn't the way to go.

Cartel

May 6th, 2007, 09:19 AM

I agree Timnz, on one hand I think it's a great spot for a highrise - we really need more in the square - but at the same time it will be kinda sad to lose the beer garden which I think is very cool.

Davee

May 6th, 2007, 01:50 PM

Trades

May 8th, 2007, 03:41 PM

Agree with Cartel in that it is a good spot for high rise, especially a hotel. Its unfortunate to lose that outdoor space but on the other hand I was disappointed when they demolished that part of Warners in the first place. That used to the best place to watch alternative rockbands in ChCh in the early 90's. I'm glad it looks as though they will reinstate that Facade. I'm sure there will be plenty of oppurtunities in the cbd to create more spots like that beer garden.

TonyNZ

May 9th, 2007, 04:52 AM

^^ Agreed. :)

timnz2000

May 9th, 2007, 05:15 AM

They need to put some more in the Square, though! The whole Eastern side is completely dead... the whole Square needs some nice cafes spilling out onto the street (Starbucks doesn't count!) to give people a reason to go there. Think the Octagon in Dunedin - such a great use of public space!

Paulsy

May 9th, 2007, 05:44 AM

Trades

May 9th, 2007, 09:39 AM

I thought it was the old Savoy theatre. I didn't realise that they took part of Warners too.

You're right Paulsy. It looks like its just the savoy taking a second look at those photos. The new development looks like it will give the old Warners building more symmetry by adding new facade to the L.H.S.

Davee

May 9th, 2007, 10:52 AM

You're right Paulsy. It looks like its just the savoy taking a second look at those photos. The new development looks like it will give the old Warners building more symmetry by adding new facade to the L.H.S.

The Warners is being restored to it's original frontage. Part of it was pulled down in the early 1900's to make way for the Savoy Theatre. :banana:

SYDNEY

August 1st, 2007, 02:22 AM

http://www.subways.net/newzealand/cc02.jpg

Cartel

August 1st, 2007, 03:26 AM

I do have a "historic central christchurch" thread:)

It just never gets used:(

SYDNEY

August 1st, 2007, 03:36 AM

I do have a "historic central christchurch" thread:)

It just never gets used:(

I will try my best to look for info as well - it doesn't have to be pics only .... info on Heritage week, interesting articles etc. Come on Cartel, you can do it ;)

Davee

August 1st, 2007, 03:08 PM

See what we can do :banana:

LOVE HERITAGE - YOU'LL LOVE CHRISTCHURCH :banana:

Cartel

August 1st, 2007, 03:08 PM

^^ Ah yeah. I'm pretty busy and slack too but I'll get round to it.

Here is the link anyway:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=394316

Already has over 1000 views...

My idea was for as you said not just photos, but everything relating to built heritage, which in our case 99% of which resides in central CHCH.

I really need to update the pics - have some great ones.

But I'd like it if we kept just this one thread:D

Davee

August 1st, 2007, 03:15 PM

but it got lost in amongst all the other threads and is now doubled up because we don't have sub forums to keep things neat and tidy :ohno:

Davee

August 1st, 2007, 10:55 PM

Most of our pictures in this thread are gone - which one shall we use so the Mods can get rid of the other?? Suggestions everyone.......

SYDNEY

August 2nd, 2007, 12:06 AM

I am sure that this thread can be combined with the new one ???

flyin_higher

August 2nd, 2007, 12:07 AM

Yea I will merge this together with the new one. :)

Davee

August 2nd, 2007, 01:00 AM

^^ :cheers:

Davee

August 7th, 2007, 11:27 AM

http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/Photos/Disc17/IMG0010.jpg

Cranmer Square.
Architect - S.C.Farr.
Built - 1878.

This was Christchurchs first teachers' training college. It is one of the cities early conservation success stories. Saved from demolition in the 1980s, the Gothic Reveval facades were retained in a project that saw the rest of the large L shaped building opened out to form apartments and a restaurant.

More nice pictures of the conversion on the website below. Enigma - I think you will like these :)

http://www.theclarkcollection.com/

Davee

August 8th, 2007, 02:40 PM

http://library.christchurch.org.nz/heritage/Photos/Disc17/IMG0017.jpg

http://anthonylarme.tripod.com/hc/old_cghs01a.jpg
picture by Anthony Larme, 2001.

Cranmer Square.
Architect - W.B.Armson.
Built - 1881.

Christchurch Girls High School was one of the first girls' schools to be established in NZ and remained on site until the 1980's when a modern complex was built next to Hagley Park and the Avon River. This building is in the Gothic Revival style and brick in construction. The earliest part of the building was added to substantially in 1907, 1913, 1938, 1958 and 1962. I t is now known as the Cranmer Centre and is part of the private boys school, Christs College.

Davee

August 18th, 2007, 01:19 AM

http://library.christchurch.org.nz/heritage/Photos/Disc17/IMG0018.jpg

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/travel/tg/lp/45/240x240_45d5e27767230462bdee9da85fc04431.jpg

Rolleston Avenue.
Architect - Cecil Wood.
Built - 1928.

Founded in 1850, Christ's college is housed in a magnificent precinct of buildings of different ages set around an open quadrangle. The oldest surviving building is the stone Big School of 1863. Prominent on the street frontage is the fine memorial Dining Hall, designed by Cecil Wood, a 20thC architect who continued the tradition of Gothic Revival stone architecture.

Davee

September 22nd, 2007, 01:38 AM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/Picture137.jpg?t=1190417873

Davee

September 22nd, 2007, 01:39 AM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/Picture136.jpg?t=1190417941

See the rubbish hasn't been collected :ohno: :lol:

SYDNEY

September 24th, 2007, 02:24 AM

^^^ I want that house !!

Davee

September 24th, 2007, 10:22 AM

^^^ I want that house !!

I think you'd like the main homestead as well. It's all 5 mins drive from the Square, 10 - 15 min walk across Hagley Park :banana: :banana:

Kiss the Rain

September 24th, 2007, 10:30 AM

Fendalton-classy Chch.

Davee

September 24th, 2007, 10:33 AM

Fendalton-classy Chch.

Very nice - you'd love it Enigma - big old homes, real Englishy gardens and all that stuff, lot, LOTS of money.

SYDNEY

September 24th, 2007, 10:55 AM

Very nice - you'd love it Enigma - big old homes, real Englishy gardens and all that stuff, lot, LOTS of money.

Oh I can smell it :lol: ... I will be wearing my tightest jeans and muscle-top ;)

Davee

September 24th, 2007, 11:42 AM

Oh I can smell it :lol: ... I will be wearing my tightest jeans and muscle-top ;)

mmmmmmmm - I think you'd go down a treat. Perhaps you and hubby could buy one of your southern homes here or perhaps Cashmere...or Sumner...or on the Park??? :lol: :)

SYDNEY

September 24th, 2007, 11:45 AM

mmmmmmmm - I think you'd go down a treat. Perhaps you and hubby could buy one of your southern homes here or perhaps Cashmere...or Sumner...or on the Park??? :lol: :)

Well that was a plan BUT I would rather go to VENICE !!!! NOW YOU HAVE PLANTED A SEED.

Davee

September 24th, 2007, 11:46 AM

Well that was a plan BUT I would rather go to VENICE !!!! NOW YOU HAVE PLANTED A SEED.

:lol: :lol: Damn - me and my gardening.:lol: :lol:

SYDNEY

September 24th, 2007, 12:02 PM

:lol: :lol: Damn - me and my gardening.:lol: :lol:

The back garden :lol:

Davee

September 24th, 2007, 12:14 PM

The back garden :lol:

Neat, tidy, with lots of planting......and well watered with a big garden hose :lol:

Marky Mark

September 24th, 2007, 12:16 PM

Ive heard stories about your hose:lol:

Neat, tidy, with lots of planting......and well watered with a big garden hose :lol:

Davee

September 24th, 2007, 12:36 PM

Ive heard stories about your hose:lol:

Ohhhh trimmed, yes, yes, yes.

My hose..........got a great noozle that can do lots of different squirty actions...:)

Cartel

September 27th, 2007, 08:48 AM

lol. yes this all relates to historic CHCH:lol:

SYDNEY

September 27th, 2007, 08:53 AM

lol. yes this all relates to historic CHCH:lol:

Very clever Cartel :lol:

Davee

December 18th, 2007, 02:13 PM

Rolleston Avenue.
Architect: Benjamin Mountfort.
Built: 1870-1877.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/0/0a/300px-Canterbury_Museum.jpg

http://www.dayout.co.nz/public-files/pictures/54965.jpg

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nzbound/images/chchmuseum.jpg

http://www.heritageweek.co.nz/Interpretations/CulturalPrecinctCCCHeritageArchives.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1028/775806966_88fceaa281.jpg

The building of the Canterbury Museum, haunt of many Cantabrians, began in 1870. The familiar frontae was completed later in that decade. The building is noted for its fine stone work, rose window, tower and distinctive porch. It is a fine testament to the skill of Mountfort who was able to adapt the Gothic from sacred to secular requirements.

With many add ons from the 1950's, the building is now to small to hold the vast collection housed in the vaults and storage facilities throughout Christchurch. The debate rages as to re-develop the site, build a new large museum or split the collection between the present sight and a new building.

Davee

December 19th, 2007, 02:50 PM

Worcester Street.
Architect: Benjamin Mountfort.
Built: 1876-1879.

http://www.heritageweek.co.nz/Interpretations/CulturalPrecinctCCCHeritageArchives.jpg

http://www.skinnee.net/images/christchurch/arts-centre.jpg

This was the first permanent building of the University of Canterbury, built in the Gothic Revival style of Halswell stone. It is now the main entrance way to the Arts Centre which houses a thriving aray of studios, boutiques, shops, restaurants, workshops, markets, art schools, theatres, concert venues and a arts ciniema.

It's hard to believe that once the university moved out in the late 60's and early 70's this whole complex of buildings was going to be pulled down. Thanks God it was saved! It now forms a vital cultural roll in the centre of the city, tourist attraction and forms part of the Historic Quatre of the central city. Major plans are now under way to expand and rebuild some parts of the site.

It is only 5 minutes walk from the square and across the road from the new city art gallery, museum and to be new City Hall.

Davee

July 8th, 2008, 11:33 AM

A city landmark will be getting a makeover beginning Monday, 30 June, when workers start preparations to paint the Hereford Street Bridge.

Originally built in 1937-1938, it is believed the grey concrete of the bridge was painted for the first and only time in the 1980s. A new colour scheme of cream, gold and International Orange has been chosen to compliment the bridge’s art deco style.

The new paint pallet will brighten the bridge and will enhance its multi-coloured lighting scheme, says Christchurch City Council Urban Designer Brendan Smyth.

"The existing cream and pink were very popular in the 1980s but aren’t appropriate for the time of the original construction. With the new colour scheme, the whole bridge will sparkle."

The paint work is part of an ongoing maintenance cycle for the bridge, which will also include regular cleaning and repair of damage to the fabric of the structure.

During this work, the bridge pavement will be closed on one side while it is being painted. Pedestrian traffic will be diverted to the other side. Once the first side is painted, the process will be repeated for the second side.

Work is estimated to take approximately four weeks. A traffic management plan has been prepared by City Care.

Similar work is being planned for other bridges along the Avon River that have been identified as needing maintenance.

Marky Mark

July 8th, 2008, 11:45 AM

Must look lovely :cheers:

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/photos/disc2/IMG0012.jpg

Davee

July 8th, 2008, 11:58 AM

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/CentralCity/Newsletter/images/HerefordBridgeLighting.jpg

Marky Mark

July 8th, 2008, 12:23 PM

:cheers:

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/CentralCity/Newsletter/images/HerefordBridgeLighting.jpg

Nicco

July 8th, 2008, 02:02 PM

Some buildings...
http://www.livingheritage.org.nz/schools/secondary/paenga-tawhiti/historic-faces/img/post1.jpg

^^The one in the square!

http://images3.realestate.co.nz/edi/HPSHARC001/photos/C071276-1.jpg

Nicco

July 8th, 2008, 02:18 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2647840723_e43b0b1ff8_b.jpg
By acontompa on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12273392@N08/2647840723/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2191127779_3604dcd98c_o.jpg
By lee.malzard on flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22760591@N06/2191127779/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/2142632071_1dd8ba4e4d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2142632067_abcb62faa0_b.jpg
Both By John Steedman on Flickr^^

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14958189@N06/2142632071/

Davee

July 11th, 2008, 12:49 AM

27 June 2008

The 105- year-old Tea House at Riccarton Park Racecourse will benefit from a Christchurch City Council grant of just over $70,000 towards its continued restoration.

The Council has approved a heritage grant of $72,360 to the Riccarton Park Restoration Charitable Trust which follows a $50,000 grant made in 2006.

The money will be used to continue restoration work on the Tea House including, repairs, painting and site work. The restoration is due to be finished in time for Cup and Show Week in November and will total about $800,000 most of which has been fundraised by the Trust.

The Historic Places Trust category II listed building was built in late 1903 at a cost of

£1500 and was part of a programme of improvements to mark the 1904 Golden Jubilee of the Canterbury Jockey Club (CJC) . The CJC was established in 1854 at a public meeting chaired by JR Cracroft Wilson and has had the oldest continuous existence of any club in New Zealand.

The Tea House was designed by Luttrell Brothers and is of timber construction sited to the west of the park’s grandstands on a landscaped area surrounded by a moat, effectively making it an island. It is the only remaining building of its era and type in New Zealand.

The Press at the time of construction noted that: “ . . . the ornamental Tea House with its broad verandahs under which in warm days one can lounge or take light refreshments; the artificial waters encircling the island upon which this new structure stands surrounded by a belt of fir trees and pretty borders, so planted that there shall be a constant succession of bloom, present a scene such as cannot be surpassed for beauty by any Australasian race course . ..” (The Press November 4 1903)

Council Heritage Grants Committee chairperson Councillor Helen Broughton said she was delighted that the Council was further supporting the project.

“It is an elegant Edwardian building of both regional and national significance. But in a societal sense, is also interesting that its purpose was to provide a venue for women to take tea and refreshments on the racecourse because they were not allowed to do so with the men in the Stewart Stand. Remarkably this situation only changed, to my knowledge, in the 1970s.”

Cr Broughton said she wanted to acknowledge the work of the Trust under the leadership of Lesley Keast who had chaired it since its inception.

Davee

July 11th, 2008, 12:49 AM

Nice pics BA :banana:^^

Rooty

October 24th, 2008, 11:15 AM

I had no idea such a beautiful building lies covered beneath white fibreglass panels (read the info on the link below the image). This is a crime. If only they could restore it. The placement of the windows on the new version doesn't match up with the old, so maybe it'd be a bit more trouble than it looks.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2419130203_2ffaebd80e_o.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurch/2419130203/in/set-72157600300244889/

Davee

October 24th, 2008, 11:26 AM

Oh my goodness............well found Rooty. We need to get that out in the open again.

What got you into finding this??

I've always hated that building, I never new that that gem still lived under there :banana:

dunedin

October 24th, 2008, 11:27 AM

What would possess any one to do that to such a nice building ??

Rooty

October 24th, 2008, 11:43 AM

Oh my goodness............well found Rooty. We need to get that out in the open again.

What got you into finding this??
One of that person's images turned up in a Flickr search. They should probably be posting here.

Was there more cinemas per capita in the old days?

Davee

October 24th, 2008, 11:44 AM

There are so many destructive people in Christchurch. The city has lost so much of it's beautiful heritiage buildings.

That's where the people of Dunedin have been so good. They have really preserved their proud past. Long may that continue. It's what makes Dunedin such a beautiful city. I think it will be one of the major reasons why people will see Dunedin as a major tourist site in the future.

Out of the 4 major centres. Dunedin is the most "kiwi" best preserved - I think.

sensible

October 25th, 2008, 06:07 AM

saw a picture of this a while back, i was pretty surprised. i wonder if it could be restored

Davee

December 2nd, 2008, 01:08 AM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/308.jpg?t=1228176536

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/303.jpg?t=1228176574

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/296-1.jpg?t=1228176609

Justme

December 6th, 2008, 09:54 AM

Pity all the earlier photos in this thread from the first few pages are now red X's. Or is it just me.

Would have loved to have seen those pics.

fozzy

December 6th, 2008, 10:11 AM

No its not just you they are red x's for me too!

Davee

December 6th, 2008, 05:22 PM

And me..............:bash:

Where have all our cool pics gone :ohno:

Marky Mark

January 6th, 2009, 06:10 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2871806332_e033160cee.jpg?v=0:cheers:

Cartel

January 6th, 2009, 08:17 AM

I'll make a new years resolution to sort this thread out, restore all the photos, add more and such. :cheers:

Davee

January 6th, 2009, 03:02 PM

I'll make a new years resolution to sort this thread out, restore all the photos, add more and such. :cheers:

Nice one Cartel - that would be great!:banana:

Fab picture Marky :)

Davee

January 13th, 2009, 03:22 PM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/260.jpg?t=1231856415

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/261.jpg?t=1231856459

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/DavidEugene/262.jpg?t=1231856499

Davee

October 22nd, 2009, 11:28 AM

By CHARLIE GATES - The Press

Diana, Lady Isaac is surrounded by the 13 Christchurch heritage buildings she has saved from demolition over the past eight years.

"Some people think I'm crazy," she said.

Isaac has done her bit to protect Christchurch's heritage by slowly creating a private collection of historic workers' cottages, an old Papanui jail, stables and a 1911 Hinds church at McLeans Island.

All the buildings were threatened with demolition until they were donated to the Isaac Wildlife Trust and transported – sometimes brick by brick – to their new home on trust land.

The restored homes are arranged like a village, complete with village green, with the latest worker's cottage arriving on Friday

Despite her work preserving the city's history, Isaac does not believe Christchurch's heritage buildings should be given more protection.

She said heritage buildings would just be neglected if there were rules barring demolition.

"They would just be left to fall to bits," she said.

"The heritage groups would like to see them [the buildings] all saved on site. But if you owned one and you wanted a modern house because of the size of your family, how would you feel about that?"

The private collection began after the New Zealand Historic Places Trust contacted Isaac, asking for help to save an 1878 worker's cottage in central Christchurch.

"It just seemed like the right thing. I believe in heritage and always have."

She originally intended to save one building, but the collection slowly grew.

"I only intended to have one, but it looked pretty lonely in a field by itself and people started ringing me with buildings they wanted saved and were not able to do anything about it ... I think I needed a bit of a hobby at that point. My husband had died and I needed some diversion," she said. "All the buildings here have been donated by the previous owners and we pay for the transport and restore them."

Each building has its own story.

The church was going to be used as a hay barn by a Hinds farmer, the original worker's cottage was "gradually falling to bits", while the Papanui jail was being used as a shed in a garden.

The latest building awaits restoration and was transported from Sawyers Arms Rd, complete with the stump of a tree that had grown to embrace an ancient bicycle.

A site has already been prepared for a 1920s dental clinic, coming from St Albans Primary School.

Isaac also hopes to welcome villas to her heritage sanctuary.

"We have 3000 acres (1200 hectares). There is no limit.

Ad Feedback "The next thing we want to do is save some villas. It will balance the collection."

The heritage village is funded by the Isaac Wildlife Trust, which derives income from many commercial ventures, including Isaac Construction. Isaac hoped the collection could eventually be open to the public.

Davee

November 23rd, 2009, 03:31 PM

"We are trying to find someone that will bring the old lady back to life."

Real estate agent Layne Harwood stands among the crumbling grandeur of the Odeon Theatre in Christchurch.

The 132-year-old Tuam St building is up for mortgagee sale, but Harwood said that if no buyer came forward then a tenant could be found to use the building as a theatre.

"We are trying to identify a real user who can make it financially viable because it is a magnificent building.

"The tender process will draw out interested parties, but if we can't find a buyer from that process we may try to put together a package."

The theatre had attracted about 20 inquiries from community, religious, theatre and artistic groups.

It is surprisingly intact, with rows of vinyl pull-down seats in the upper circle, an ornate ceiling and a large stage.

But there are signs of decay. A pair of pigeons have made it their home, water has warped some wall panels and cracks have formed in the ceiling.

The stage where Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh once performed is now occupied by two bowls of poison to get rid of the pigeons.

The grand windows in the front facade are peppered with bullet holes from random potshots.

Odeon Theatre Trust chairman Nick Paris said the theatre could be preserved and provide central Christchurch with a 700-seat auditorium that community theatre groups could access.

Christchurch film festival audiences could benefit from a single large venue to compete with strong ticket sales in Auckland and Wellington.

"I think film festival lovers would like an opportunity to soak in the ambience and watch a film in the Odeon," he said.

The high refurbishment costs could make it hard to find a buyer. Two key players rumoured to be interested in the theatre have ruled themselves out.

Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology dean of creative industries Jane Gregg said they were not bidding.

"We are not interested in it," she said.

Christchurch City Council chief executive Tony Marryatt said they were also not bidding for the Odeon.

The building was offered to council by property developer David Henderson for $1.03 million when it bought five other properties from him for $17m last year.

"Council will not be bidding at the auction. Council resolved not to purchase the building when it was originally offered because of the cost of refurbishment," he said.

The theatre was bought by Henderson for $1.335m in 2006 and first mortgagee Allied Nationwide Finance has ordered the sale. Tenders for the sale close on December 10.

Davee

March 7th, 2010, 05:34 PM

:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:

Less than half of a $842,106 heritage funding pool has been used on city projects in its first six months.

However, Christchurch City Council officials believe there will be a "full take-up" in the second half of the financial year.

A six-monthly report on the council's heritage and covenants scheme shows eight grants totalling $341,873 have been allocated. One grant – $141,920 for St Paul's Presbyterian Church – was committed a year earlier, but the money changed hands only recently.

Council urban design and heritage team leader Ceciel DelaRue said that was one of four confirmed annual payouts to the church.

The other large grant was $106,760 for restoration work at the former Crown Hotel on Moorhouse Ave.

Davee

March 16th, 2010, 06:19 PM

Owners of earthquake-prone heritage buildings in Christchurch may have to pay at least $169 million for strengthening works from 2012.

Nearly 500 heritage buildings in Christchurch and on Banks Peninsula would be required to be strengthened or demolished within 15 to 30-years under a proposed amendment to the city council's 2006 Earthquake-Prone, Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings Policy.

According to a review of the policy, these 490 buildings are only a fraction of about 7658 buildings in Christchurch that would be likely to collapse in a "moderate earthquake" - the equivalent of an earthquake in reasonable proximity to the city with a magnitude around 6.5 on the Richter scale.

Un-reinforced masonry buildings - such as 295 of the listed or scheduled heritage buildings - are considered particularly earthquake-prone.

Christchurch Heritage Trust chairman Derek Anderson said the scale of the problem was huge, with 150 heritage buildings located within the city's central business district.

"The council has no realistic policy for heritage buildings and they will collapse in an earthquake," he said.

Scientists predicted a 50% chance of a magnitude 7 quake hitting Christchurch in the next 50 years.

"We're well overdue for a big one. It is a real challenge," Mr Anderson said.

"Most of the heritage buildings in Christchurch were built for purposes different to what they are now being used for."

The trust owns the Smiths Bookshop building in Manchester St and is in the process of letting tenders for earthquake strengthening and restoration work.

Mr Anderson said the cost of earthquake strengthening alone was estimated at some $175,000, to which would be added costs for improving access and egress to Building Act standards.

Earthquake strengthening was estimated to cost about $450 a square metre, he said.

Under the amended policy, owners will have 15, 20 or 30 years to demolish or strengthen buildings, depending on the risk of earthquake damage and the importance of the building, to at least 33% of full code levels (FCL).

The structure would then be deemed no longer earthquake-prone under the Building Act.

To protect the heritage fabric of the buildings, the review recommends buildings be strengthened to 67% of the required FCL.

A 2009 report by Holmes Consulting Group suggested that such an upgrade for one-third of the buildings would bring the total cost to $253 million.

City council environmental policy and approvals manager Steve McCarthy said: "If owners of heritage buildings can't strengthen in the timeframes, then (the buildings) could be deemed to be dangerous and action taken under the Building Act.

"However, we will need to exercise some discretion."

There is provision in the policy for owners who have made substantial progress in strengthening to apply for an extension of up to three years.

"The reality is that some heritage buildings will be demolished as a result of needing to be strengthened or simply because it is not economic to upgrade them and you get deterioration over time. The timeframes proposed are quite generous."

The Christchurch Heritage Trust has also been involved in strengthening the Excelsior Hotel building at the corner of Manchester St and High St and the Star-Times building in Cathedral Square.

Said Derek Anderson: "If we hadn't saved the Star-Times building, Warners was going to have to come down," Mr Anderson said.

He said the trust had been lobbying the city council "to come up with a policy and funding" that would allow owners of heritage buildings to strengthen them.

The city council needed to put between $25 million and $35 million into a fund for saving heritage buildings.

Mr Anderson said there needed to be a partnership between the Government, the city council and building owners.

The policy review also recommends the city council should establish a seismic strengthening grant to assist in the upgrading of priority heritage buildings.

The $842,000 a year made available through the city council's Heritage Incentive Fund is always fully allocated, and would not be enough to support the necessary upgrades.

Buildings that may require upgrading include the Odeon Theatre on Tuam St, the Arts Centre - where substantial earthquake strengthening is being looked into - and the Town Hall, which has already had a certain degree of strengthening.

The policy also contains 15-year strengthening timelines for buildings with special post-disaster functions such as hospitals and fire stations, as well as 20-year timelines for buildings which contain crowds - such as churches - or contents of high value to the community.

Davee

April 27th, 2010, 03:28 PM

April 2010

Restoration work on Grubb Cottage, the most significant colonial domestic dwelling in Lyttelton, will be carried out by Fletcher Construction and is scheduled to commence on Monday 3 May, 2010. The works will include stabilising and partly refurbishing the cottage, with its character and original fittings to be maintained where possible.

Grubb Cottage Trust Chairman, Sam Strati, says the cottage will be opened to the public as a visitor experience after the works have been completed.

“The end use will be a dynamic, living museum providing a contemporary and changeable space for portraying the history of Lyttelton.

“Grubb Cottage is significant because it was owned by prominent settler John Grubb and his family, who were key to the development of Lyttelton and its port.

“The rear portion is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area, having been built soon after formal colonisation began. As a whole, the dwelling is an excellent example of the modest cottages built during European colonisation,” he says.

The Cottage, at 62 London Street, was bought by the Council in 2006 to ensure its protection. Initially, the Council intended to on-sell the cottage to the Trust but decided it would retain ownership and commit $250,000 to fund the necessary conservation and stabilisation work.

Banks Peninsula Councillor Claudia Reid says the Council is particularly passionate about the protection of the 150-year-old Cottage because of the heritage significance it holds.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust to preserve one of Canterbury’s most important heritage buildings and give it new life. I am thrilled that the finished product will be something to share with the local community, Christchurch residents and visitors to our city,” she says.

The project is expected to take around twelve weeks to complete, with a public opening to be held sometime after this. However, timing will be subject to weather and any archaeological related issues or discoveries.

Since purchasing the Cottage, the Council has funded condition and structural reports, and a conservation plan which included a full assessment of the heritage values of the Cottage and its outbuildings.

The Trust, who will manage the day to day operation of the cottage, plans to introduce an art award and collaborate with other Lyttelton heritage sites to provide a heritage trail of the Cottage, Time Ball, cemetery and gaol.

“We will be looking for ongoing funding and hope the Lyttelton and wider community will get behind us in supporting this project,” says Mr Strati.

Davee

April 27th, 2010, 03:30 PM

http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/images/GrubbCottage2.JPG

It is listed as a protected building under the Banks Peninsula District Plan and registered as a Category 2 Historic Place under the Historic Places Act.
Category 2 buildings are considered to be places of historical or cultural heritage significance or value.

Particular heritage significance is attached to the Cottage as the original construction on the first piece of land to be sold in New Zealand by the Canterbury Association, which had not been pre-purchased in England.
It also has heritage significance to the community of Lyttelton because of its association with the early settlement of the town.

The Grubbs were a key family in the development of Lyttelton and its port and in turn associated with the development of Christchurch and the Canterbury region. John Grubb made a significant contribution to early Lyttelton society and was involved in the building of the first jetty which saw the passengers of the First Four Ships of the Canterbury Association ashore in 1850. John’s son James Grubb continued the prominence of the family name in the town when he became Mayor in 1902 and the Grubb family continued to have a recognised presence in the Lyttelton community until the 1960s.

The Cottage remains in very original condition, including its original outbuildings and wallpaper.

There are few examples of 1840s, 1850s and 1860s built dwellings still existing in Christchurch and Lyttelton, and no others are in such an original condition as the front section of Grubb Cottage.

The Cottage presents a record of built archaeology which is unique in Canterbury, and provides substantial evidence of the way of life of the early settlers during the first two decades of organised European settlement.

Davee

May 9th, 2010, 05:23 PM

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1273177874/364/3668364.jpg

A block of central Christchurch flats, once described as "one of the ugliest buildings in the city", has been given the highest level of heritage protection.

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust said yesterday it had granted category 1 status to the Dorset St flats, built between 1956 and 1957 as the first major project by eminent architect Sir Miles Warren.

Trust heritage adviser Christine Whybrew said the building was seen as one of the most significant pieces of post-war architecture in New Zealand and was a pivotal work in Warren's career.

"It's a bit of a landmark really – everyone knows the building."

Whybrew said the building, which locals described as "one of the ugliest" in the city when it was built, was ahead of its time.

"It was a bit of an affront to the local community. There were all these large timber houses and then there was this block of concrete flats. It was quite a dramatic difference."

She said the trust would ask the Christchurch City Council to elevate the building's status in its district plan "to ensure it has the maximum protection possible".

frew

May 10th, 2010, 12:10 AM

Meanwhile, in other news, other, truly historic buildings get torn down and the Odeon continues to decay...

Davee

May 10th, 2010, 10:57 AM

Meanwhile, in other news, other, truly historic buildings get torn down and the Odeon continues to decay...

So true........hence I don't understand why they don't pursue the ides of the Conservatorium being intergrated with the Opera House/Odeon?

One of the main points of the NC is that it would have preformance space for the student and teachers. They would stage opera, large and small orchestral works, chamber music, baroque specialist music, organ and singing. The Odeon is historic, purpose built and with today's technology could be resotored and made a world class preformance auditorium and recording venue.

It would also kick start revitalistion in that part of town!! The potential is huge!:)

Rooty

May 18th, 2010, 04:03 AM

Looking at the old photos here...
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/photos/
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Topics/

It's funny, some CBD streets looked more developed back then.

High St, looking SE at Hereford. Look at that huge building on the left!
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc10/IMG0074.jpg
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc10/IMG0074.asp

High St, looking SE at Cashel.
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc5/IMG0056.jpg
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc5/IMG0056.asp

You can spot City Surf (or whatever it is now), Cosmic Corner, and Hunters and Collectors - two of these have since lost a bit of roof bling.
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/8539/p19070813031.jpg

That much hated police station took the place of this. Davey will post a weepyface.
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc3/IMG0015.jpg
http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc3/IMG0015.asp

Indictable

May 18th, 2010, 07:40 AM

Did that horrible building go there? Geez, what a beautiful old building!

jarden

May 18th, 2010, 01:57 PM

That last photo is the corner of Hereford and Cambridge I believe.

Davee

May 18th, 2010, 09:09 PM

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos/Disc3/IMG0015.jpg

:cripes::cry::cry::cry:

Rooty

May 19th, 2010, 01:59 AM

Like the old logo?

jarden

May 19th, 2010, 03:29 AM

On the subject of new small replacing old buildings. The corner of Hereford and Manchester st's there use to be and old solidly built 10 level building that got demolished in the 80's to be replaced with a new building of just 2 levels. The one I am talking about has a Dick Smith outlet in it now. That made a huge change in the area as it was probably the tallest ever got knocked down and as the demand dropped in the office market a smaller one went in its place.

Indictable

May 19th, 2010, 05:54 AM

They demolished to make less? Well that was the 80's for you!

Davee

June 5th, 2010, 02:51 PM

The Press

The historic Odeon Theatre could be strengthened against earthquakes to make it more attractive to buyers.

The crumbling 132-year-old theatre was put up for mortgagee sale in November, but no buyer was found.

First mortgagee Allied Nationwide Finance has done a deal with the second mortgagee, Taurus Group, that could see the building saved from dereliction.

The Odeon Theatre Trust estimates it could cost $2.6 million just for seismic strengthening and general refurbishment of the 700-seat venue.

David Kitson, director of Taurus Group, said they were working out how much it would cost to make the building compliant, but had no definite plan.

"We are looking at a number of options for it at the moment. We don't have a clear plan. We can't get a tenant unless it complies, so we are just working out the costings and the engineers for compliance."

Kitson said the compliance costs may have scared off potential buyers.

"It's no longer for sale. I don't really know what the stumbling block was. It may have scared people off. Funding is an issue for a lot of people these days. Buying an empty building with no tenant and no return – the banks don't like lending against buildings with no cash," he said.

The building was offered to the Christchurch City Council by former owner David Henderson for $1.03m when it bought five other properties from him for $17m in 2008.

The council decided not to buy the building because of high refurbishment costs.

Odeon Theatre Trust chairman Nick Paris welcomed the possibility of refurbishment for the building.

"I think anything that preserves the building, without having seen the devil in the details, is good. The building in its current state would scare off any potential investor," he said.

Paris said the building should be under community control so money can be raised for restoration.

"It should be in community hands rather than investor hands for its cultural capital rather than its property capital."

Davee

June 5th, 2010, 02:53 PM

The Press

World heritage status for Christchurch's Gothic revival buildings is back on the agenda as the city's mayoral contest heats up.

Mayoral candidate Jim Anderton said yesterday he would, if elected, lead moves to get the coveted status that promised international prestige and more visitors for the city.

If approved, the status would give locals an increased sense of pride in their city, he said.

No other city had a more complete collection of Gothic revival buildings of such high quality and preservation, Anderton said.

The buildings, which he said were of "enormous international significance," included 19th century public buildings Christchurch Cathedral, the Arts Centre and the Canterbury Museum. Other important sites could be added as the proposal was developed, he said.

Any application for status needed council backing. The Christchurch City Council, under former mayor Garry Moore, voted not to support a bid. Local government support was vital for any nomination to be considered.

But yesterday Anderton promised that support.

"If I become mayor, I will help lead a proposal to push for world heritage status for these historic sites which teach us so much about our past and the direction we should take for the future."

The item was not on the present council's agenda, but Mayor Bob Parker welcomed the debate.

"It sounds like a reasonable debate for the council and community to have."

There were very good arguments for world heritage status, but Parker said there were also potential "fish-hooks" which should also be considered.

Only three places in New Zealand have world heritage status – Tongariro National Park, Te Wahipounamu (South West New Zealand) and the Subantarctic Islands.

World heritage sites are recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) as having outstanding natural or cultural value for everyone.

Brisol

August 16th, 2010, 06:41 AM

Threat to the stone city

In Canberra at the start of this month, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Environment Minister Peter Garrett were able to tell their proud fellow Australians that physical expressions of their country's founding story were now enshrined and valued at an international level. Or, to put it more simply, 11 convict sites in Sydney, Port Arthur, Fremantle and Norfolk Island had been given Unesco World Heritage status.

In Christchurch three days later, Australian heritage planner Benjamin Gall and his brother, architect Anthony Gall, showed an audience of nearly 100 people slides of some of these sites. One is a creaky wooden barn in Tasmania. If it doesn't look like much to the untrained eye, it has a 200-year history and was built with convict labour. It has value.

This was all a preamble to the more pressing issue at hand: the possibility of world heritage status for the gothic revival buildings of Christchurch.

Just as 11 sites separated by thousands of kilometres and stretches of ocean can be considered as one heritage listing, so can a scattering of stone buildings around central Christchurch, from the Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Avonside.

The Gall brothers tell their audience that world heritage recognition for central Christchurch is "pivotal". Few in the room would disagree.

For some, this pair might even have the status of heroes. They brought their heritage expertise to two recent Christchurch planning stoushes: the war over the extension to the Canterbury Museum and the no-less- traumatic fight over the University of Canterbury's music conservatorium proposal at the Arts Centre. In both cases, heritage activists won. Other, local, veterans of those stoushes, such as professor Ian Lochhead and Dame Ann Hercus, are in the audience.

And how apt that the venue for their talk is the marvellous Stone Chamber at the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings on Durham Street, arguably the jewel in the crown of gothic Christchurch.

The Gall brothers are at pains to point out that buildings such as these do not just add texture or variety to a modern city, but also express a philosophy. The planned city was an instrument of 19th- century social reform; world heritage status would recognise not just the buildings but the near-utopian ideas behind them.
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Ideally, they say, it would recognise an entire precinct. Draw a map that takes in the Botanic Gardens and Cranmer Square to the east, Worcester Boulevard through the centre and Cathedral Square and Latimer Square to the west, and call that the original frame of gothic Christchurch. Recognise that the original street layout remains, that the scale mostly remains.

Passing the microphone back and forth, the Galls talk for nearly two hours, sketching in the history and anticipating the future. They talk about how 19th-century thinkers like John Ruskin and William Morris influenced the neo-medieval city, the concept of the garden city. How their ideas spread around the globe, to places as diverse as Hungary - where Anthony Gall lives and works - and California, as well as the South Island of New Zealand. How ideas of a liveable city, as a response to industrialisation and the stresses of modernity, are as relevant now as they were then. If not more relevant.

The next morning, in a Press meeting room, the Galls talk for another 90 minutes about central Christchurch and its heritage.

One of the "unique and peculiar" things about this city, they agree, is the way that the gothic revival style lasted so long, right up to the Centennial Wing of the Canterbury Museum, taking in late entrants that now look to be seamlessly in the early style, such as Christchurch Boys' High School and the Teachers College building on Peterborough St. Then, in the modernist era, houses by Peter Beaven referred back to the medieval.

Think of that continued progression. And think of the way that some have lost sight of the original idea - as he says this, Benjamin Gall has his eye firmly on the increasingly shabby-looking 1960s Government Life building across Cathedral Square. Were that to be knocked down, his brother says, it would be easy to design something new that sits with neo-gothic principles, "rather than reiterating these cliches from other cities in the world".

The previous night, Benjamin Gall had been publicly critical of the $300,000 report commissioned by the Christchurch City Council from Danish urban design specialist Jan Gehl. While the report touched on heritage issues, it showed no understanding of the 19th-century philosophies that shaped the city, Gall argues.

"If you're bringing in someone who hasn't stopped to understand those grand philosophies that have continued over a long period of time, and focused on rolling out what could be argued is a more generic or desktop-style report that isn't Christchurch-centric, then you're proposed a generic way forward.

"Certainly, in the periods we're talking about with Christchurch, the evidence of a town that was planned out and settled in a short period of time, that's still active and relevant, is rare and unique on a world scale."

And while the city is colonial, in important ways it is less new than we think. The mid to late 19th-century was the great period of city building in Europe and North America and cities like Barcelona, Budapest and Paris were transformed in that era, with their redevelopment sometimes contemporary with Christchurch's development. The creation of Hagley Park was almost exactly contemporary with the first public park in the United States: Central Park, New York.

But what would world heritage status do for Christchurch? Beyond the obvious tourist benefits, there is also the issue of certainty. In the Arts Centre case, it seems astonishing that Christchurch had never publicly discussed whether more buildings should go up on that block. Indeed, while the conservatorium project has been defeated, there is still no guideline.

During their two-day visit, before one brother went back to Budapest and the other to Brisbane, the Galls met with city council heritage staff and Arts Centre director Ken Franklin. In the council case, they found that staff were still focused on the site level - this building, that building - rather than considering whole environments as "cultural landscapes", which is the new thinking. As for Franklin, it is Benjamin Gall's view that "he's trying very hard, but at a strategic level, the advice still isn't coming to him".

As has been previously reported, there was a 1991 management plan for the Arts Centre that had some heritage dimension. Since then, there has piecemeal documentation of each separate building, but no overarching heritage strategy. Both brothers say a site that valuable needs one.

Such a strategy would interlock with a revamped city plan that considers the wider area. One of Anthony Gall's concerns is the threat to the traditional buffer zone between Montreal St and the river. Both the police building and the former mail centre are too big for that zone, he says, and while little can be done about that now, the refurbishment of the mail centre as the new council headquarters creates "a serious issue".

"It's taken an awful lot of people from the city centre and moved them to an area which you can see is not traditionally the city centre. If other people want to be down there because they want to be near the council, you might find that the whole city leapfrogs the river. The old centre of the city is becoming derelict, redundant."

His observation, as he studied Google Maps in his office in Budapest, was that the conservatorium would have created a visual link between the heritage area and the expanding city - that was a risk. But risks still remain, not just questions about what else might go on the Arts Centre site, but what will be built on the vast car park that used to be the King Edward Barracks site bordering Cashel and Montreal streets. This is the land earmarked for Ngai Tahu's new headquarters.

"Very easily you could find that you have another building the size of the council building. Or they might take some of these issues on and be pro- active. They could turn the city around - they have a real opportunity on their hands."

While the Galls are unconvinced that the Arts Centre board is getting sufficiently informed heritage advice, the recent resource consent hearings showed that such experience and expertise does exist in Christchurch - with Ian Lochhead being the most obvious example.

"There was an incredibly high level of debate," Anthony Gall says.

"The next step is a strategic one and it requires some guts and courage," Benjamin Gall continues. "Some people are worried about what notions of world heritage might pre-empt on a city. We're worried about what will happen to the city if these notions aren't clarified."

fozzy

September 21st, 2010, 11:27 PM

Such a shame much has been lost to the developers and the recent earthquake!!!

Davee

December 16th, 2010, 01:27 AM

160 years since founding ships landed :banana:

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1292453972/469/4465469.jpg

Sailing for over three months from England, the Charlotte Jane anchored at Lyttelton at 10am on December 16, 1850, followed by the Randolph at 3.30pm.

The Sir George Seymour anchored at 10am the following day and the Cressy arrived on December 27.

The ships brought about 800 people to populate the new settlements of Lyttelton and Christchurch.

Davee

January 31st, 2011, 01:10 PM

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1296412516/600/3853600.jpg

Historic New Regent St might already be a Christchurch landmark, but it is set for a makeover.

A revitalisation project aims to restore the street's historic buildings to their original beauty.

New Regent St was opened in 1932 and labelled by then Christchurch mayor Daniel Sullivan "the most beautiful street in New Zealand".

The street had no structural damage from the recent earthquakes, but the buildings will undergo earthquake strengthening and get a much-needed coat of paint.

The project is being funded by the Christchurch City Council, the Historic Places Trust and property owners who have opted into the project.

Betty Hazeldine, of Pastel Shoe Dyers, said the street would be better for the revamp.

"It will make it look brighter. It's quite tatty. If you're upstairs in any building and look out the window, it is looking really tired."

She said the street had fared well since the September 4 quake. "Some of the businesses are a little quiet because of the earthquake, but I'm sure things will pick up."

Paul O'Donnell, managing director of Painting Contracts New Zealand, said work on the 12 buildings his company was handling would take about two months.

"There are one or two buildings that have cracked a bit, but it would be fair to say they came through extraordinarily well."

Twenty-two applications for grant funding for the street have been approved. More are expected.

fozzy

February 1st, 2011, 08:50 AM

Thats great because when i was in Christchurch back in november 97 i loved the look of new regent street but thought it could do with a bit of a spruce up. I love the architectural detail of the buildings once your eyes rise above the store fronts. "It will be good to see these buildings returned to there former glory".

Davee

February 8th, 2011, 03:30 PM

Methodist church in a 'sorry state'

BEN HEATHER - The Press.

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1297019163/652/4624652.jpg

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Rev Mary Caygill stands outside the quake-hit Durham St Methodist Church.

It has stood firm for more than 145 years but, five months after the earthquake, the Durham St Methodist Church faces an uncertain future.

The heritage-listed stone church was badly shaken in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake on September 4 and engineers estimated repairs could cost up to $12 million.

The Rev Mary Caygill said additional damage sustained in the 4.9-magnitude aftershock on Boxing Day had made that estimate redundant, and it was unclear if the building could be saved.

The church was awaiting a new engineers' report, which would give a clearer picture of the options available and costs..

"Demolition is an option, as is restoration and rebuilding," Caygill said.

A decision to demolish the church would not be taken lightly and would need the backing of Christchurch City Council and the Historic Places Trust.

It will also depend on insurance cover and what can be gathered from other sources, such as the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund.

The category-one building is the oldest stone church in Canterbury. Its first Christmas service was held in 1864.

However, the church is in a sorry state, with the windows boarded up and the structure encased in scaffolding and steel trusses."That's all that's holding it together," Caygill said.

Parts have already been removed, with most of the stained-glass windows now stored at the Christchurch Art Gallery.

The massive antique pipe organ will soon be dismantled – a process that will take 10 days.

The 180-strong congregation now gathers in a meeting room in the neighbouring Aldersgate building.

Caygill said many people were already grieving for the church.

"We have got families that have grown up here and are now in their 90s and their parents and grandparents also came here," Caygill said.

Milan Luka

February 9th, 2011, 10:19 AM

This building really needs to be retained. It's a huge job though, see it in real life it looks a right state.

After the debacle of losing Manchester Courts I could not stomach losing another beautiful Christchurch icon.

redbaron_012

February 26th, 2011, 11:24 AM

I know people of Christchurch see their city with news eyes this week but looking over these sites on SSC I feel sad...just sad...I haven't been to Christchurch since 1975 but...hope you hold onto or rebuild some of your heritage after more important things are taken care of.....the people.

Indictable

February 26th, 2011, 01:56 PM

Visit 2014. perfect.

Davee

March 1st, 2011, 12:20 AM

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The time capsules were discovered in Cathedral Square under the plinth of a statute of John Robert Godley, which was damaged in the quake. One was a small glass capsule while the other was a large metal-like object.

The discovery, described by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker as "remarkable", comes as police predict the final death toll following Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude quake would reach around 240 victims.

The capsules will be opened in the future, but would be looked after at the city museum in the meantime.

Parker said he hoped to "discover and understand the words and visions of our forebears" in the capsules.

Irishman John Robert Godley is known as the "Founder of Canterbury" even though he lived there for only two-and-a-half years. He travelled in Ireland and North America and developed ideas about how colonies should be established and governed.

The statue will be rebuilt, Parker said.

Davee

March 21st, 2011, 04:17 PM

Contractors move on St Elmo

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The end for historic St Elmo Courts in Christchurch

The owner and insurer of the 80-year-old St Elmo Courts in Hereford Street in central Christchurch have agreed the building should be demolished.

Contractor Nikau Contractors, which expects demolition will take a month, started work on Sunday.

The building was badly damaged in September's earthquake and the shake on February 22 sealed its fate.

Civil Defence national controller John Hamilton said its owner and insurer had agreed the February quake had sealed its fate.

"The owner, as I understand, has been attempting to get it into operation, but the owner and his insurer have come to an agreement its demolition is the only path available," he said.

Hamilton said St Elmo Courts was outside the central business district, where a moratorium on demolition was put in place.

jarden

March 22nd, 2011, 03:53 AM

Very sad to see St Elmo coming down. Will all the owners possessions be lost in it around 100 lived in there maybe more.

MattTheTubaGuy

March 23rd, 2011, 08:22 AM

wasn't it damaged in the first quake? so there probably wasn't anyone left in it.

Milan Luka

March 23rd, 2011, 10:29 AM

Yeah the building was cleaned out prior. At least you could see when the wrecking ball was exposing the rooms, they were all empty from what I saw.

Davee

April 1st, 2011, 05:28 PM

Christchurch's historic Isaac Theatre Royal survived the February quake but will be closed until October 31.

"The building, although moderately damaged, has performed extremely well in an event much greater than any strengthening was designed for", general manager Neil Cox said.

Extensive earthquake strengthening was completed in 1999 to much higher specifications than required at that time.

"The goodwill and support we have received from the wider global entertainment world towards our city, our people and our theatre has been astounding."

Cox said contrary to various rumours, the theatre's ornate painted dome is still intact and located "exactly where it was intended to be".

"There is a lot of work to do, there is no escaping that, but ... for the third time in her history, she will get a reprieve from the wrecker's ball."

Rooty

April 4th, 2011, 07:47 AM

jarden

April 4th, 2011, 09:32 AM

Some questions about the former Railway Station on Moorhouse Ave:

Is it correct that Gasson St did not connect to Moorhouse Ave, and the railway platform extended East in that space?

Was the purpose of Washington Way to wrap around the platform?

Was there just one platform?

I'd love to see an aerial photo, but haven't been able to find one.

1.Yes correct about Gasson st
2. Not sure about this one
3. Use to be 3 tracks or platforms at each end short ones for railcars that went to Rangiora or Hornby at west end and to Lytleton at the east end. And a very long one that could take like 20 carriages for the long distance trains.

I like to see old photos of the station when was busy with many trains at once bit of nostalgia is nice. I use to have the Rails magazine that often had photos of the station in time gone by. I remember seeing one of school kids rushing to catch a rail car at like 7 am in the morning or something similar.

HavanaClub

April 4th, 2011, 10:20 AM

Paulsy

April 4th, 2011, 12:48 PM

Some questions about the former Railway Station on Moorhouse Ave:

Is it correct that Gasson St did not connect to Moorhouse Ave, and the railway platform extended East in that space?

Was the purpose of Washington Way to wrap around the platform?

Was there just one platform?

I'd love to see an aerial photo, but haven't been able to find one.

Washington Way never existed - the tracks went there. This was the passenger line from Lyttelton and the two electrified tracks ended in a dead end with platforms on either side. There was a similar arrangement at the western end (where all the car yards are) but this was never electrified. Where Gasson St goes through there was a large overbridge for pedestrians and cyclists - this was also the access to the island platform for straight through trains. Some of the sections of this overbridge were recycled into river footbridges - one is very near the new Beckenham service centre.

A real shame to see what a mess they made of this whole area - would have made a great station in the future with maybe a tram connection to town.

MattTheTubaGuy

April 5th, 2011, 11:32 PM

No plans to try to save the facade of the Press Building by the look of this list: http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/2011/04/01/buildings-set-for-demolition-partial-demolition-make-safe/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/combinedmedia/2162176699/

considering that the whole top floor collapsed, I'm not surprised. I would imagine the rest would be in a very bad condition as well.
it is a shame. it was such a nice building. I hope they rebuild it in some way, even if it is just concrete with the details painted on.
something similar to the extension to the Warners Hotel right next to it maybe.

Davee

April 8th, 2011, 02:22 PM

The February 22 earthquake is Christchurch's postcolonial moment. It's time to break free, argues Dr KATIE PICKLES. --------------------

This is Christchurch's darkest hour: a bleak time of tragic loss of life, the destruction of homes, neighbourhoods, livelihoods and hopes and dreams. Normality has departed and fear and high alert abounds. As the cleanup begins, unlike the mounds of rubble being dumped, fallen statues have been rescued and stored away as Pakeha treasures.

On February 22, the city's founding father, John Robert Godley, director of the Canterbury Association, was shaken off his pedestal after 143 years standing in Cathedral Square. A statue of early provincial superintendent William Rolleston fell backwards off its plinth to lie beheaded by the forces of nature. British imperial adventurer Captain Robert Falcon Scott's likeness was also knocked over and is in need of repair.

These damaged statues are symbolic of the end of a colonial era in Christchurch. In getting back up, regrouping and rebuilding after the earthquakes, it is important to recognise that the city has literally broken free from the past once and for all. February 22 is our postcolonial moment.

There is much to be proud of in Christchurch's history, but it is now time to carefully and clearly move on from a colonial history that was already well on its way out before the earth moved.

The felled Christchurch works of art evoke images of statues of former leaders such as Saddam Hussein and Josef Stalin being eagerly and emotionally pulled down by societies erasing the old and advancing the new. Some former colonies of the British Empire have removed statues that evoke colonisation. In India, Queen Victoria statues are in storage, while in 1963 Quebec's Front de Liberation du Quebec blew the head off a Queen Victoria statue, making clear its desire to break from the past. The statue, head still detached, is now displayed in a museum.

Prince William's "morale-boosting" visit officially displayed continuity with colonial times when monarchs surveyed their kingdoms and empires to assess the damage. Yet, to most, the prince is now a celebrity, famous for being famous, along with Justin Bieber. Those who gained comfort from his presence likely had more pressing concerns than the implied reassertion of constitutional monarchy.

Would the student army put their lives on the line to fight for Britain? Probably not. The patriotism is gone, but the celebrity remains.

In the formerly peaceful, charming, garden city of Christchurch, it has taken the environment to clarify our move to a new stage where society is complex, inclusive and self-determined, with some of our colonial heroes symbolically toppled by a natural disaster.

Our postcolonial moment has not come about through traditional warfare; it is deeper than grassroots movements, and is instead being unstoppably led from under the earth. And, while the majority of the city's statues might still be standing, the inner-city zone that they occupy has changed forever, and there can be no going back to the olden days.

Until February 22, Christchurch enjoyed one of the tidiest colonial histories in the world. Colonialism is a process whereby people from dominant territories, usually expanding empires, leave their familiar old world and migrate to settle in a new place. Individuals were often pawns of imperial powers. Indigenous peoples were expected to make way for progress, and settlers were to reproduce their society, only better, in the new world. This meant importing imperial attitudes that confidently asserted superiority over local knowledge.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, movement to parts of the British Empire was often involuntary, with the Highland Clearances, the Irish Famine and transportation to Australia being examples of forced out-migration. On the contrary, the Canterbury Association was the brainchild of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, whose dream was to systematically colonise the area with a respectable mix of classes in a Church of England settlement.

The appropriately named Godley actualised the vision, in 1848, forming the Canterbury Association with Wakefield. In the same year, without struggle and with a number of guaranteed reserves, Ngai Tahu sold a large tract of land stretching from Kaiapoi to Otago, clearing the way for settlement. The experienced Captain Joseph Thomas was commissioned to choose a site for the new settlement and to survey the land in preparation for the arrival of the First Four Ships of pilgrims in 1850.

Surveyors were aware that the swampy nature of coastal Canterbury was unsuited to urban development. The site chosen was the first reasonably dry and slightly elevated area handy to the limits of boat navigation on the Heathcote and Avon rivers. Unfortunately, the colonists were unaware of the pitfalls of liquefaction that has recently destroyed so much. They optimistically believed that nature could be conquered.

And so Christchurch became "the city on the swamp", with all its attendant problems of ill health, smog, and difficulties with drainage.

A feature of colonial settlement was to start with a blank slate, leaving out the indigenous past. Thomas and his assistant, Edward Jollie, set about naming the streets with familiar old-world reference points. Firmly cementing Christchurch as a part of the British Empire, the names of streets were taken from bishoprics in England, Ireland, Wales and other colonies. Durham, Armagh, St Asaph, Montreal and Madras are streets whose names promoted colonial ties.

Perhaps most symbolic of the all-encompassing imperial stamp was the Anglican Cathedral. A long time in the planning, the main building was ready in 1881 and provided the iconic centre of colonial Christchurch.

The settlement of Christchurch is now so distant that most people today probably don't know or care who launched the city on its colonial pathway. The four avenues that are the boundary of the inner-city disaster zone are named after the city's first four superintendents of the period of provincial government: FitzGerald, Moorhouse, Bealey and Rolleston.

Their proud Halswell quarry stone Provincial Council Chambers is also unfortunately damaged. Indeed, much of Christchurch's visible colonial heart has been fractured and is now a place associated with death and destruction. The distinctive Gothic-revival architecture that unites Christchurch with other British settlements of the same era in Australia, Canada, India and Britain was built before modern local knowledge about the danger of earthquakes.

Typical of the era, the style was copied from elsewhere, as were views of preserving heritage that expensively and nostalgically attempted to care for buildings feared to be earthquake risks.

Now, very suddenly, the earthquakes have hurried along a process of decolonisation. Many of the features of colonial Christchurch had already transformed. While Anglican was initially the largest Christian denomination, it was never the sole religion. At the beginning of the 21st century, only 51 per cent of Christchurch citizens identified themselves as Christian, and 35 per cent said they had no religion. The reality of spiritual belief is increasing diversity and a move away from Christianity.

The Christ Church Cathedral exists for many as a hollow icon with good branding potential – an image to be tattooed on to an arm, placed on a letterhead, or stamped on a wheelie bin. It calls out "Christchurch" in all its multiplicity of meanings, promising everything and nothing at once.

Economic restructuring has seen the artisan roots of the city, and its key role as an agricultural service town, transform and diversify. The central city had become a tourism site, with the area within the four avenues a colonial theme park featuring the Gothic-revival architecture, statues and gardens. Meanwhile, American-style suburban drift occurred during the second half of the 20th century. Roads became increasingly clogged with cars, and shopping malls went from strength to strength. The sea and rail transportation so vital in the colonial era gave way to an extensive roading network and the airport became a hub.

Culturally, as the city grew it harboured a unique mixture of the conservative, radical, global and local identities. Although most people still identified as European, the percentage declined, and more ethnic groups became part of Christchurch. Asian migration has dramatically changed the city, fostering a regional Asia-Pacific identity. Maori migration from the North Island to Christchurch in the post-World War II years, and Pacific Island migration have added much, with the current cry of "kia kaha" evidence of the hope of a bicultural society.

The suburban impact of the earthquakes has made it clear that, akin to other postcolonial cities such as Vancouver and Melbourne, Christchurch does have distinct ethnic suburban enclaves.

The removal of the Rugby World Cup from Christchurch is another signal of postcolonial times. Part religion, part culture and part sport, rugby thrived in colonial New Zealand because it needed few resources, suiting the muddy environment and the character of pioneers, office workers and, most recently, a cross-section of cultures. Yet, in professional times, providing significant revenue to the game is paramount.

A hundred years ago the games would have carried on at any number of appropriate Canterbury fields. Yet in postcolonial times the global market reigns, leaving the colonial spirit dead.

The horrific death and destruction suffered on February 22 has undoubtedly changed Christchurch forever. We have entered tense and tentative times and live in a place of ruptured and uneven surfaces. Amid the adjustment it is important to come to terms with the fact that the colonial past is over. We should treasure this past and learn from it.

Remnant statues might be put together in a memorial statue park, along the lines of Melbourne's Birdwood Ave, that gracefully displays an assortment of works of art. Rather than put things back how they were, it is time to regenerate the city so that everybody is valued and included in a safe and healthy environment. The time is now.

Dr Katie Pickles is Associate Professor in History at the University of Canterbury.

- The Press

Davee

April 11th, 2011, 04:41 PM

In the weeks following the 22 February earthquake the discovery of two time capsules beneath the Godley Statue in Cathedral Square was a welcome spot of good news.

In recent weeks a third time capsule has been unearthed in the old Civic Building on Manchester Street.

Of the two time capsules discovered in Cathedral Square, the first capsule is a glass bottle containing a vellum manuscript, the second is a larger sealed copper tube. The Mayor handed both these over to the Canterbury Museum for assessment and conservation work on Tuesday 1 March.

The third time capsule to be recovered from the old Civic Building is a sealed tin box and now also in the care of Canterbury Museum.

Mayor Bob Parker will open the two sealed time capsules at Canterbury Museum on Tuesday 12 April at 2pm. Media are invited to attend.

The vellum manuscript from the glass capsule has been unrolled and dried out and will also be available for viewing at this time.

As the Museum is not currently open to the public, please register your intention to attend by emailing Karin Stahel, Communications Manager Canterbury Museum, at kstahel@canterburymuseum.com before midday on Monday 11 April. Instructions will be provided regarding where to assemble and sign-in.

Davee

April 14th, 2011, 01:49 PM

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Gothic revival in ruins:The damaged Arts Centre. Lorraine North believes a large-scale heritage restoration project is possible in Christchurch, even if it takes many years.

Dr Katie Pickles' implication (Perspective, April 8) that we should welcome the toppling of statues commemorating our founding fathers suggests our city's three disastrous earthquakes have liberated us from the historic influence of tyrants.

While it may have been appropriate for Russians to celebrate the fall of Stalin's and Lenin's oversized statues at the end of the Soviet era, the situation in Christchurch is in no way comparable.

Christchurch's mid- Victorian origins are unique because they are largely values-based. The city was not, as common to the times, primarily founded for military or trade purposes, but more in order to preserve and disseminate liberal ideals held by men who felt their vision of a decent, inclusive and democratic society to be under threat in England as a result of Napoleon's despotic actions in Europe.

Central to their Utopian vision were Christian values typical of their time.

No-one need apologise for the Anglican values that shaped this city as many of these driving principles were also non-denominational humanist beliefs promoting the greatest good for the greatest number.

This founding value system that placed high regard on education, social justice, health and respect for the individual is inextricably linked with the Gothic revival style of architecture that characterises our city.

Gothic revival, known also as Christian or Pointed Architecture, is a style which, according to 19th century philosopher John Ruskin, is associated with the work of free men (Freemasons).

He compares them with the slaves who toiled on Greek and Egyptian buildings, tasked with making uniform decorative features with no scope for individual variation.

Gothic revival on the other hand is a style synonymous with the stonemason's expression of individual artistic freedom; a style inspired by nature, following organic forms and embracing diversity.

It represents the very antithesis of mass production and conformity we see in so many aspects of our lives today.

We should retain as much of our heritage architecture as possible, as well as the statuary that surrounds it.

I agree with Andrew Wood's earlier assertion (March 12) that "Cantabrians are unlikely to settle for anything less than a meticulous and exact restoration" of Christ Church Cathedral.

Wood is also right to say we have the skilled stonemasons, the technology and the will to do this. The support will follow and already millions of dollars have been donated from an English philanthropist towards our cathedral's restoration.

I believe we have the capacity to attract the additional international support that will be required to complete a large-scale heritage restoration project, even if it takes many years. All our iconic heritage buildings are due the same exactitude of restoration, particularly those designed by Canterbury's master provincial architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort.

He was a disciple of the brilliant, eccentric English architect and designer Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852) who initiated the glories of Gothic revivalist architecture when he designed the celebrated Palace of Westminster.

Pugin was described by his peers as "the architec- tural genius of the [19th] century" and we in Christchurch share his legacy in the form of our iconic Mountfort buildings.

It is remarkable to think that Mountfort arrived on the Charlotte Jane in 1850 and within a mere 40 years was, in the face of professional isolation and a lack of adequate materials, responsible for the realisation of so many splendid colonial stone buildings - among them the cathedral, Canterbury College (now the Arts Centre), the Provincial Council Buildings, Canterbury Museum and numerous stone Gothic revival churches.

Does this achievement not show a tenacity, energy and determination we would do well to emulate in the rebuilding of our city today?

I do not agree with Arts Centre director Ken Franklin (March 15) that the old observatory should be left for future generations with "a new modern tower on the crooked stump of the Observatory".

Franklin has stated that the Arts Centre has "the resolve and the insurance cover to restore and rebuild the historic complex", so why not faithfully restore all Arts Centre buildings to their original form and revisit earlier attempts to have the complex accredited as a World Heritage Site?

The positive implica- tions of this for the future of heritage and the arts in Christchurch are enormous.

In addition to their intrinsic value as objects of architectural beauty and accumulated cultural capital, unique heritage buildings and the statuary that surrounds them also have a commercial value in today's world and can be an important part of modern life.

Heritage precincts that have preserved their integrity are known to be key tourist attractions internationally.

At a recent meeting I heard how highly Asian travellers value our stone Gothic revival buildings and that these have been identified as a specific reason for their desire to visit Christchurch.

In many European cities heritage buildings and the arts complement each other, with the Old City or Altstadt acting as a cultural hub attracting theatres, bars, galleries, cafes, restaurants, specialist shops and fashion boutiques.

I noted with interest that the new London and Partners flagship tourism agency, which has swung into action to promote London's opportunities for attracting investors and the arts prior to the Olympic Games, has illustrated its website with an ancient stone castle, while also promoting the city as a vibrant meeting place alive with modern arts and cultural activities (the latter showing a very wide range of cultural and ethnic diversity).

If London can integrate its authentic heritage identity and acknowledge its debt to history while at the same time promoting itself as a creative city with a heart driven by the dynamics of inclusive, complex contemporary 21st Century life, can Christchurch not do the same? I believe we can.

As Dame Judith Mayhew- Jonas, chairwoman of London and Partners, has observed: "We owe so much to the Victorians."

* Lorraine North chairs the Canterbury Arts and Heritage Trust.

- The Press

Davee

May 25th, 2011, 07:37 PM

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The historic Godley House is damaged beyond repair and will be demolished.

The Christchurch City Council announced this morning that initial hopes of repairing the 1880 building following September earthquake damage were dashed by the severity of the February quake.

Two independent reports from structural engineers had now recommended the Diamond Harbour icon be demolished.

Council spokeswoman Kay Holder said the historic home had now "all but collapsed".

She said timing for the historic building's demolition had yet to be agreed.

However, engineering reports had confirmed the building was too unstable to enter and the area immediately surrounding it was cordoned off for public safety.

Lyttelton-Mt Herbert Community Board member and city councillor Claudia Reid said it was "almost unbearable" to contemplate Diamond Harbour without Godley House.

"They are part and parcel of each other.''

She said it was hoped that careful demolition of the building would allow some of its heritage details to be salvaged.

"This will serve as a reminder of the past and to educate, inform and entertain the community about aspects of its history and culture which have shaped the identity of the area."

She said there would be a chance for the public to be involved in the future development of the site.

Godley House in Diamond Harbour is registered as a Category II Historic Place by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said the house had been a landmark in the community for over 130 years.

He said council would work with the local community to consider options for the site.

"Godley House has played a significant role in the social life of the Diamond Harbour community and for visitors to the house, most recently as a restaurant and accommodation.

"Future plans will see the site re-established as a strong, thriving and attractive community destination," he said.

Godley House was built as a family home by Harvey Hawkins - ship chandler, ironmonger and speculator, and one of Lyttelton's leading citizens.

The land the house is built on was bought from Mark Stoddart who lived with his family, in what is known as Stoddart's Cottage. This cottage is situated nearby behind the rugby grounds.

Renowned Canterbury painter Margaret Stoddart (daughter of Anna and Mark Stoddart) lived and painted in the house.

Several of her most significant paintings were of the house in its garden and harbour setting.

The Stoddart family lived in Godley House until 1913 when both houses were sold to the Lyttelton Borough Council.

The council then named it after the John Robert Godley, who came to New Zealand for two years as the Canterbury Association Agent and is known as the "founder" of the Canterbury settlement.

Godley never lived in the house.

- The Press

Davee

June 7th, 2011, 08:37 PM

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Nearly 50 heritage buildings have been demolished since the February earthquake, with hundreds more at risk.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) figures show that by Friday, 49 heritage buildings had been demolished, with another 12 either partly demolished or made safe.

Many of the demolitions were in Lyttelton and Sydenham, with one block of 10heritage buildings in Colombo St razed. Six buildings in London St in Lyttelton have been demolished, with another four flattened on Norwich Quay.

A list released last week showed that at least 104 heritage buildings had been approved for demolition, with another 46 to be partly demolished or made safe. About 500 buildings have been approved for demolition or partial demolition but the final number is expected to reach 1300 and will probably include hundreds of heritage buildings.

Notable buildings already razed include the category 1 heritage-listed St Paul's Church in Cashel St, Charlie B's Backpackers in Madras St and the Carlton Hotel on the Papanui Rd-Bealey Ave corner. Others awaiting the wrecking ball include The Press building in Cathedral Square, St Luke's Church in Manchester St and Kenton Chambers in Hereford St.

The Sydenham Heritage Trust was set up to preserve heritage buildings along Colombo St, but deputy chairman Neil Roberts said the quake and subsequent demolitions had left almost nothing to preserve.

"The spine of heritage is lost and it is never going to come back," he said.

Roberts, who is also deputy chairman of the Christchurch Civic Trust, said he was concerned that many heritage building were being demolished too hastily and without public transparency.

Christchurch heritage advocate Anna Crighton said the scale of what had already been lost was devastating. There were about 600 heritage buildings in Christchurch and many would be demolished, she said.

Talks had begun on preserving New Regent St and parts of High St, she said.

Iconic, a group of building owners and heritage advocates headed by Christchurch Central Labour MP Brendon Burns, has released a list of 42 heritage buildings and features that should be saved.

The Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Trust Board, which Crighton heads, has received about $4.5 million in donations to help save significant heritage buildings – a fund that the Government will match dollar for dollar.

Davee

June 9th, 2011, 06:26 PM

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Christchurch's historic Peterborough apartment complex could cost up to $12 million to fix, but the owners are vowing to save it.

The 81-year-old Peterborough St building was hit hard in the February earthquake, which warped the floor and left large wall cracks.

In the courtyard, the underground car park was thrust upward by the quake, leaving gaping cracks in the pavement and crumbling walls.

The street-front entrance has been red-stickered, while most of the 37 apartments have been yellow-stickered.

Di White-Johnson, who owns one of the apartments and manages the complex, said most owners were committed to saving the building.

The complex had been assessed by the body-corporate engineers, who believed it was repairable, but early estimates were that it could cost $12m and take up to a year.

The owners were awaiting damage assessments from the Earthquake Commission and their insurers, and hoped the companies would agree to repair, rather than demolish the complex, she said.

"We are insured for $12.3m, so my gut feeling is they will want it repaired," she said.

The category 2 heritage-listed building was converted into upmarket apartments in 1999.

It has previously been an arts centre and originally was a teacher-training college.

Since the February quake, 49 heritage buildings have been demolished in Christchurch.

jarden

June 12th, 2011, 08:32 AM

The insurance will just cover it leaving $300,000 spare

Davee

June 15th, 2011, 12:31 PM

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DEVASTATION: The Christ Church Cathedral, showing the gaping hole in the west wall left when the rose window fell in on Monday.

Monday's aftershocks shattered many Christchurch landmarks already damaged in the February earthquake.

The collapsed Christ Church Cathedral rose window cannot be fixed, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament dome is more perilous than before, the Arts Centre has suffered major damage and the timeball from the destroyed Lyttelton Timeball Station was thrown 15 metres downhill.

The Canterbury Museum collection was thrown into disorder again by the aftershocks, just days after staff had finished reordering hundreds of artefacts since the February quake.

Dean Peter Beck said most of Christ Church Cathedral's west wall had collapsed.

"We are all pretty upset at what has happened here. We have had enough, but I think we will get through this," he said.

"Clearly, we will rebuild. It will be rebuilt in some form or other, but we don't know the answers for that yet.

"After yesterday, you feel completely awful. It was not a good day. You feel exasperated and distressed."

The cathedral project manager for Beca, Bob Blyth, said the rose window was shattered.

"I am not sure how many pieces it is in. It has fallen into the building and is in there with all the rubble," he said.

Catholic cathedral project manager John Craig, of Opus Consulting, said the dome, which was damaged in the February quake, was in a more dangerous state.

"The cathedral has sustained more significant damage," he said.

"Until we get the structural engineers to do an assessment, we won't be able to come up with definitive answers."

Two construction workers were on a platform suspended from a crane inspecting the dome when both aftershocks hit, Craig said.

"They pulled the basket away from the building pretty quickly and took it to the ground," he said.

Arts Centre engineer John Trowsdale, of Holmes Consulting, said the Great Hall and the engineering building had suffered further damage.

"All the buildings have suffered varying degrees of damage. A ... block of stone gable on the north elevation of the engineering block has collapsed," he said. "The north and south gables of the Great Hall have suffered significant damage. A couple of square metres of internal facing stone in the Great Hall has fallen in.

"We need to make the site safe again. There is a lot of work involved. There is about a month of shoring required."

Canterbury Museum director Anthony Wright said there did not appear to be major structural damage to the building.

"The really dispiriting thing is the team had just completed getting all the display galleries back to public standard on Friday. We will have to start that again now," he said.

New Zealand Historic Places Trust heritage destinations manager Paul McGahan said the timeball from the Timeball Station "rolled about 15 metres".

"The timeball didn't get far, fortunately. It is just below the big retaining wall," he said.

"A lot of the masonry that fell was contained on the platform. It is a very sad sight."

Cera orders urgent felling

More than 100 buildings in central Christchurch have been tagged for emergency demolition after Monday's earthquakes.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) interim deconstruction manager Warwick Isaacs said engineering teams had been assessing buildings in the central city since Monday.

There had been "significant additional damage" in the red zone, with 147 buildings suffering more damage. Some of the buildings had been damaged in previous quakes, while others had not.

The Hotel Grand Chancellor had "twisted" about 75 millimetres more, while the Copthorne Hotel on Durham St had twisted a further 50mm.

Isaacs said more than 100 buildings had been marked for "emergency and urgent" demolitions because of the damage. Demolition work would start in the next two to three days, he said.

Cera chief executive Roger Sutton, who entered the red zone after the quakes, said the damage was "sobering".

"There are some streets that were badly damaged before and are really, really badly damaged now," he said.

"We're going to have to pull down some buildings quickly just so other people can get access."

- The Press

Davee

July 27th, 2011, 11:25 AM

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A legal bid to prevent the demolition of a historic Christchurch home has failed, despite concerns Cera did not try hard enough to save it.

On Wednesday, High Court judge Justice Whata dismissed an attempt to stop the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) from demolishing a 107-year-old earthquake-damaged home on Colombo St.

However, in his judgment, the judge said Cera should have made more effort to consider alternatives, and expressed concern about the short notice given.

"Given the invasive and drastic consequences of demolition, Cera should have, in its decision-making process, expressly considered alternative methods of dealing with the property," he said.

It is the first time Cera's quake recovery powers have been challenged in the courts, although it has faced criticism from several building owners over demolitions.

The judge said that while in this case the demolition was justified because of the risk to life, the courts should "not be shy" about scrutinising Cera-ordered demolitions.

David Hampton, who owns the house indirectly through a trust, sought a judicial review this month after Cera gave him four days' notice of the demolition. Hampton argued the house could potentially be repaired.

He said it had not suffered further damage in the June 13 quake, but was unable to provide engineering evidence to support this.

The judge said Cera had assessed the house seven times since March 8 and the authority said it was so unstable it could collapse in high winds or a minor aftershock.

While a Cera engineer had said the building could possibly be made safe, it could take three weeks, during which time there would be ongoing risk of a damaging aftershock.

"All of this does suggest that granting interim relief has an air of futility to it," the judge said.

Cera wasted no time after the High Court decision, demolishing the house the next day, last Thursday.

In a statement yesterday, Cera said it "welcomed the [court] decision and any assistance it provided to help further clarify the processes".

Yesterday, Hampton told The Press that while he accepted the judge's decision, he wished he had been given more time to gather his own expert engineering evidence.

"People with damaged buildings need to get another assessment or engineer's report after June 13," Hampton said.

"Forewarned is forearmed."

Hampton said it would have been cheaper to let the house be demolished but given its historic value, he felt obliged to try to save it.

"I felt I needed to challenge it because once it's gone, it's gone."

The category 2 heritage-listed timber Edwardian house was built in 1904.

Davee

July 31st, 2011, 05:37 PM

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A little bit of Canterbury luxury is back in action after a major restoration project since the earthquakes that struck the region this year.

A five-month project has just been completed to restore Otahuna Lodge to its full glory, and the luxury venue opens its doors again tomorrow.

The beautiful old homestead has had major strengthening after damage to its walls and ceilings in the February 22 earthquake.

Owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo are chuffed to be back in business. "We are incredibly thankful for the support we received and we're thrilled to be welcoming our first guests since February," Hall said.

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter said the region was making good progress in getting tourism beds back into the market, but having the lodge back was special.

"We're delighted that an iconic property like Otahuna is back in operation and ready to welcome luxury travellers to our region. We now have 98% of operators back in action and ready to offer visitors a hearty Canterbury welcome," he said.

He was determined to attract more Australian travellers across the ditch and a marketing campaign was being planned to pitch the South Island's outstanding road trips.

Sir Heaton Rhodes created Otahuna in 1895. It is now among the country's most important privately owned historic estates.

In 2007 Cannon and Refo embarked on a programme to make the mansion one of the world's premier luxury destinations and only a year later British high society magazine Tatler named it one of the world's 101 best hotels.

The Queen Anne-style property has 12-hectare gardens filled with the original oaks Rhodes planted and vast daffodil fields.

It also features seven guest suites, 15 fireplaces, a heated pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, gym and a spa treatment room.

Milan Luka

August 1st, 2011, 01:56 AM

^^ Some more good news. Was out that way yesterday in fact. Beautiful warm day exploring Tai Tap and surrounds. Couldnt find Otahuna, got a little lost.:lol:

Davee

August 1st, 2011, 12:29 PM

^^ Some more good news. Was out that way yesterday in fact. Beautiful warm day exploring Tai Tap and surrounds. Couldnt find Otahuna, got a little lost.:lol:

It's on the way to Akaroa isn't it?

Hey when I'm home next Matey - we'll have to go there for look! :banana:

Davee

August 2nd, 2011, 11:23 PM

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One of the first attempts to save Christchurch's earthquake-hit heritage buildings has failed, with advocates warning they are losing the battle against the bulldozers.

Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Trust Board chairwoman Anna Crighton said its first grant to save a heritage building had been withdrawn after the owner decided it was too expensive.

"It is not a battle we are winning. Everything is against us; against any sort of heritage retention,'' she said.

Grants of about $500,000 would have helped prop up the Guthrey Centre in the City Mall, removing the top storey but repairing the ground floor, but owner Peter Guthrey said the cost had not stacked up, despite months trying to save the building and the extra money from the trust.

"We were really keen to keep it, so it is quite sad for us to let it go,'' he said.

The Guthrey Centre was a 130-year-old category 1 heritage building first owned by Christchurch's second mayor, John Anderson. Demolition work will start today.

Crighton said the trust was still considering applications from other owners, but many were struggling to save buildings that were cheaper and faster to demolish. ''It is quite disheartening.''

The latest figures show the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) has approved the demolition of 152 heritage buildings and the partial demolition of another 34. These included The Press building in Cathedral Square, St Luke's Church in Manchester St and the Harbourlight in Lyttelton.

Only 45 have been approved for make-safe work.

Christchurch Central Labour MP Brendon Burns heads the post-quake heritage group IConIC, which in May published a list of 40 heritage buildings it believed should be saved.

Less than three months later, Burns said, only 15 of those building were still standing.

"The march of the bulldozers is winning the battle,'' he said.

Many building owners were caught between saving heritage and needing to restore income quickly by replacing the building, he said.

Without Government intervention in the next month there would be no significant heritage buildings left in Christchurch, Burns said.

"Our city is facing a loss that will be lamented for generations,'' he said.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said that while some people would always argue a building could be saved, safety came first.

"My strong recommendation is that people stop thinking about yesterday and start thinking about tomorrow,'' he said.

Cera demolition manager Warwick Isaacs said safety came first, but the authority tried to help building owners if they wanted to save heritage elements of quake-hit buildings.