3 Oct 2018

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Two landmark buildings are in line to benefit from major heritage grants totalling $1.8 million.

The Christchurch City Council’s Social, Community Development and Housing Committee has recommended that the Council approve $900,000 grants for both the former Chief Post Office in Cathedral Square and the Sargood, Son & Ewen Building in Lichfield Street.

Both earthquake-damaged “highly significant” buildings in the central city require strengthening, along with repairs and renovation that will retain the heritage fabric.

In tandem with the grant, a conservation covenant will protect the landmark value of both buildings.

The former Chief Post Office, which was built between 1877 and 1879, was designed by the only Colonial Architect for New Zealand, William Henry Clayton, who died before the completion of the building.

A landmark heritage grant has been backed for the former Chief Post Office.

A heritage grant has been backed for the former Chief Post Office.

Initially, there was some controversy over the site.

Some members of the early Christchurch community believed the landmark structure should be built in Market Place (now Victoria Square), home to the original Post Office, while others preferred the central site now occupied by the earthquake-damaged Christ Church Cathedral.

However, a substantial offer by the Canterbury Provincial Council to diocesan authorities was rejected.

Eventually, city leaders agreed on a south-west corner site in Cathedral Square and a £14,521 contract was let to a local builder, Daniel Reese. Reese would later represent the Stanmore electorate in Parliament. His son, also named Daniel, was one of New Zealand’s first great cricket all-rounders.

Designed in the Italianate Style with Venetian Gothic elements, the facade features arched windows, ornate gables and bands of carved stonework.

The clock tower has multiple faces and a three-dimensional Government coat of arms, along with a cast iron bell. The clock is believed to be a reduced model of Elizabeth (formerly St Stephen’s) Tower, which hosts the bell “Big Ben” in London.

Committee Chairperson Phil Clearwater says the restoration of the old post office will help preserve the characteristics and qualities of the city’s prime civic space, Cathedral Square.

“Cathedral Square is at the heart of our city and is much loved by Christchurch people, as well as being a special central place for visitors,” he says.

“By supporting the rejuvenation of both these major sites, we can also help to spark commercial development in these central areas and help generate investment in the local economy.”

The committee has recommended that the grant for the Sargood, Son & Ewen Building – a feature of one of the city’s main thoroughfares – be split over two years, with $600,000 this year and $300,000 in 2019-2020.

“The grant will also help accelerate the removal of the temporary wall of shipping containers that restricts the full and safe use of Lichfield Street,” Cr Clearwater says.

Designed by Melbourne-based architects Tayler and Fitts and completed in 1893, the building was developed – and named – for an Australian import firm.

Melbourne-born Percy Rolfe Sargood, who arrived in his new home in 1891, oversaw the New Zealand side of the soft goods family business.

With a grand late-Victorian classical style, the Sargood, Son & Ewen Building facade of ornate brick and stone detailing presents “rare three-dimensional depth” to the streetscape.

Plans are in place to return both privately owned buildings to their former retail and commercial space roles.

The grant recommendations will go to the Council meeting on 11 October.