Christchurch new ‘historic’ Boutique Shopping Emporium nearly full

Christchurch’s historic Woolston The Tannery is getting a new lease of life with the announcement today that an old style Boutique Shopping Emporium being built on the site is nearly fully tenanted with high quality fashion and design businesses.

Recovery Minister Hon Gerry Brownlee, local people and heritage campaigners were onsite to launch the site, design impressions and celebrate the news of the signing up of the tenants.

The brew for a batch of celebration ale that will be served when the first shops open in spring will be started by Mary Shanks, the 1-year-old great- great-great-granddaughter of the original owner, who also the youngest daughter of Alisdair Cassels , the current owner. Hon Gerry Brownlee will be invited to light a heritage lamp that will be incorporated in the Emporium.

The Cassel’s and Sons The Brewery at The Tannery was stage one of the redevelopment and the second stage of the two hectare site may also eventually house a theatre, art studios and heritage displays. Mr Cassels is in discussion with Council staff on the restoration of the original swing bridge and wharf, which were prominent landmarks of the site.

Alisdair Cassels, co-owner and visionary for the heritage rebuild and transformation, says the going has been tough but the commitment of locals, and key people including Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and ex MP Jim Anderton, has made the development a success. “We’re moving on. It was a hard road but today we’re there. Earthquakes, overzealous demolition advocates and planning rules have finally been cleared. We have a successful business model with a range of fashion, design, and craft businesses for an authentic Victorian facility modernised to connect the past to the future. On behalf of the Cassels I thank everyone who has mucked-in and assisted.”

The Emporium heritage rebuild involves the modernising of the original distinctive Cumnor Terrace buildings built in stages between 1881 and 1924 to 100 percent of the new Building Code and the installation of Fire Sprinklers and Sustainable Heat Recovery systems while carefully retaining the Iconic architecture features using new and recycled materials.

The 30 Tenancy Mixed use Retail/ Hospitality /Boutique Shopping Centre will have individual frontages to the exterior with dual entry pedestrian access connected internally via an undercover laneway running through the middle of the Building, serviced by 110 Onsite car parks.

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