Media release
Friday 8 June
Christchurch’s First Fully Restored Heritage Building to Reopen

The first completed restoration and reopening of a major heritage listed building is being hailed as a triumphant return of heritage to the CBD.

The Canterbury Club building, on the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Worcester Street, was built in 1873 and is a Category two listed heritage building. Over the last ten months it has undergone an extensive rebuild and restoration, bringing the building back to its former glory and up to 100% of the earthquake building code.

The building is being officially reopened this Friday 8th June at a cocktail function being attended by guest of honour The Hon Gerry Brownlee, Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery.

The Canterbury Club building is a city landmark that has always been a part of an important precinct that contributed much to the architectural character of Christchurch. Other buildings that made up the historic precinct, such as the former public library and the former Municipal Chambers, have fallen victim to the earthquakes.

Canterbury Club President Dr Brent Stanley says the Canterbury Club is now one of the standout buildings of historical significance in the area and that makes its restoration and reopening even more special.

The $4 million dollar restoration of the Club has been funded from insurance, a significant investment from the Club and a grant from the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund. The work has included raising and re-levelling the front portion of the Club and installing stone foundations (which required the removal of the floor). Almost every wall and ceiling in the heritage section of the Club has been removed, structurally strengthened to 100% of earthquake code and replaced. Wall and under floor insulation has been installed and the original chimneys have been reinstated with lightweight alternatives.

A major factor in the building surviving the February earthquake was the 2007 earthquake strengthening, which was carried out on the building as part of a $4.6 million redevelopment of the Club.

“The Club considers itself fortunate to have had the uninterrupted enjoyment of this grand old clubhouse for 140 years and the care and protection of this building is a priority. It is an asset not just for the Club but for the wider Christchurch community,” says Dr Stanley.

Anna Crighton, Chair of the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Fund Trust, says the Canterbury Club has respected its past and recognised the legacy of their heritage building by setting a restoration standard hard to beat.

“It’s a strong statement to all heritage building owners that passion for conserving historic buildings enables the stories of the city’s wonderful past to be told.”

The Canterbury Club has long been part of the fabric of Christchurch. Formed in 1872, at a time when the population of Christchurch was just 5,347, the Club was initially established as a place where men who were involved in the business of the city could meet. The Club has evolved greatly over its 140 year history. Today the Club caters for men and women, primarily from the professional and business sectors, and offers excellent services, events and facilities, such as a fitness centre, accommodation and restaurant.

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