Council approves Rolleston House Youth Hostel repairs

13 September 2012

Council approves Rolleston House Youth Hostel Association repairs

Christchurch City Council has given approval for repairs to continue on the historic Rolleston House Youth Hostel Association in the Central City, with the work expected to be completed in November.

The building, on the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Rolleston Avenue, will be repaired and earthquake strengthened to 67 percent of the New Building Standard (NBS). The work is within insurance proceeds and will be done as part of the Council’s Facilities Rebuild Plan project.

The building was damaged in the September 2010 and February and June 2011 earthquakes.

General Manager City Environment Group Jane Parfitt says the building is of both historical and social significance to the city.

“At a time when our city has lost so much of its heritage, it will no doubt hearten Christchurch residents to know that this wonderful building is being restored.”

Re-opening the hostel will help to encourage tourists back into the Central City, says Mayor Bob Parker.

“Rolleston House YHA is a key landmark in the Central City and is situated in an area with some of the city’s most significant buildings. It’s important that the Council supports the repair of such a building at a time when the tourism sector needs a much-needed boost.”

Some work has already been carried out to the building, including the partial deconstruction of the chimneys, replacing the internal linings and removing a back wall that had collapsed. General maintenance work is also currently being carried out on the building.

The building is listed as a Group 3 heritage item in the City Plan. It was built as a private residence before being converted into a hostel for the former Canterbury College. It has been a youth hostel for the past 30 years.

Also at today’s Council meeting:

Procurement policy

The Council adopted a new procurement policy, which will ensure transparent and robust practices around its purchasing and procurement.

Under the policy, local suppliers will be given opportunities to tender and quote where practicable. The Council also voted to include a clause enabling comparison between New Zealand and overseas produced goods, where relevant.

Earthquake Recovery Community Advocacy

Four new roles to help support community boards and earthquake recovery in the city are to be established following approval today.

Funding of $300,000 was set aside in the 2012/13 Annual Plan. The Council today approved this money to create the new Earthquake Recovery Community Advocacy roles.

ENDS

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