Friday 02 June 2011

Described as a heritage gem of Christchurch, the High Street precinct is being protected and enhanced by a new group which has risen from the rubble of the earthquakes.

Property owners, tenants, retailers, residents and others have come together to help the recovery of the historic lanes, fashion district and heritage values.

Now everyone involved in the precinct is being invited to a meeting next week to help strengthen the historic fabric of the city.

The High Street Precinct Group was formed at a meeting this week of major property and building owners, retailers and others. An initial steering committee has been formed with Christchurch chartered accountant and property owner, Laurie Rose as interim Chair.

“People involved with the precinct recognise it as an area of special significance which faces particular issues after the earthquakes,” explains Mr Rose.

“Many owners and operators have done great work over the past 20 years or more. Even after the earthquake, this precinct still contains the most complete area of late 19th century Victorian and early 20th century Edwardian buildings in the central city.

“While the whole of the CBD and wider Christchurch face questions over the rebuild, this precinct has particular issues and needs. This area had developed a distinct boutique character with emphasis on top-end fashion, cultural interests and dining and entertainment that readily distinguished it from the rest of central Christchurch,” he said.

“The group members recognise that the recovery must be done in a coordinated way, to protect and enhance the unique character of the precinct.”

The group is determined not just to retain but to enhance the nature of the area through the recovery process, commented steering committee member Monica Beaumont.

“Members have already identified it’s possible to retain many heritage buildings, and where that’s no longer possible we can endeavour to maintain at least the street facades.”

Ms Beaumont says the group believes future Christchurch generations and visitors to the city will be grateful for efforts which seem challenging now.

“City Council studies and others as far back as 1997 show the High Street precinct to be of prime importance for people visiting the central city. The advent of the extended tramway places this area right on the tourist route,” she said.

“The mix of commercial, residential, retail, restaurants and more, together with the special architectural values of this precinct, make it an important part of the fabric of our city.”

The group has entered into discussions with CERA, the Christchurch Council and others.

“It already has broad representation and doubtless that will be strengthened after next week’s meeting as more people from the precinct come together,” said Mr Rose.

High Street is the spine of the precinct, which covers the general area south from Bedford Row to St Asaph Street, from 225 High Street and south through SOL Square to the east side of Madras Street as well as incorporating the properties on the west side of Manchester Street and the Lichfield / Poplar Lanes.

The meeting is at CPIT, Room N104, at 5.30pm next Tuesday 7 June.

ENDS

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