An iconic Christchurch landmark is finally about to open its doors again.
The first stage of the restoration of the city's Arts Centre is now complete - and it's a sight to behold. Eleven buildings have been repaired and strengthened for future earthquakes.
But it's taken major feats of engineering and ingenuity to bring the 150 year old buildings up to modern code. The project has taken seven years to complete.
"This is the largest group of gothic revival buildings in the Southern Hemisphere and it holds a special place in the hearts of Cantabrians," says Arts Centre CEO Philip Aldridge.
The buildings have been uninhabitable since the 2011 earthquakes. They required the upmost care and latest engineering technology to repair and strengthen.
"It's been a hugely technically challenging project and we've been able to introduce world leading technologies," says Holmes Consulting principal John Trowsdale.
Now it's ready for another new life.
"The great hall hosts events, weddings, concerts, we're opening up two cinemas at Easter next year and that was a wonderful thing that always happened here," Mr Aldridge says.
"We've got theatre companies and galleries. We've got the markets which are back."
Stage two of the project will see the restoration of the more significantly damaged buildings including the landmark observatory tower. The total cost will be $290 million.
"We've been very well funded by an insurance payout which was very handsome but was never was going to be enough to complete the project," Mr Aldridge says.
The charitable trust needs to find $30 million to complete the restoration so a piece of Canterbury history can be returned back to the public.
Newshub.
