 Lost Christchurch
Christchurch is generally regarded as having retained a relatively larger proportion of heritage buildings than cities such as Auckland and Wellington, however this is arguably largely due to it being less affected by development pressures. You may be surprised at the losses that the City's building stock has incurred over the last 10 years, as listed below.
The history of lost buildings is a fascinating one, and one which makes us more aware of how important it is to protect our city's buildings, places and features now for future generations to enjoy.
In 1984, the well-known historian John Wilson wrote the now iconic book Lost Christchurch which documented Christchurch buildings lost to demolition over time. The book also raised awareness of the damage that unsympathetic alterations can cause to buildings, and brought attention to buildings at risk of demolition at the time.
Two decades on has seen changes in the city with more losses, but also the introduction of heritage provisions in the Proposed City Plan, an increase in public awareness about heritage issues, and a significant number of 'saved' buildings which are still standing - John Wilson is currently updating the book to include these developments.
Demolished buildings
Protected heritage buildings, places and objects listed in Volume 3, Appendix 1, Part 10 the City Plan demolished within the last 10 years:
 | Flowers House, 73 Rolleston Avenue
Built 1918, demolished October 2004 |
 | Villa, 30 Wairarapa Terrace
Built c.1910, demolished 2004 |
 | Former Sydenham Council Chambers/ Sydenham Rugby Clubrooms, Colombo Street
Built 1901, demolished 2000 |
 | Pyne Gould Guinness woolstore, Moorhouse Avenue
Built 1927, demolished 1999 |
 | Dwelling, 3 Heathfield Avenue
Built 1907, demolished 1999 |
 | Villa, 20 Jacksons Road
Built c1915, demolished 1999 |
 | Former Wigram Air Base Government Hangar
Built 1920, demolished 1998 |
 | Former Wigram Air Base workshop
Built c.1920, demolished 1998 |
 | Former Wigram Air Base no. 2 Officers Mess
Built 1936-1939, demolished 1998 |
 | Savoy Cinema, Cathedral Square
Built 1917, demolished 1996/97 |
 | Former A&P Showground Industry Building, Lincoln Road
Built c1886, demolished 1997 |
 | Kaiapoi Woollen Mills Building, Manchester Street
Built 1907-1909, demolished 1996 |
 | King Edward Barracks, Cashel Street
Built 1905, demolished 1996 |
Relocated buildings
Although the relocation of buildings ensures that the building's architectural significance is retained, the disassociation of the building from its original site results in a loss of its social history, landmark, setting and group significance.
Protected heritage buildings, places and objects listed in Volume 3, Appendix 1, Part 10 the City Plan relocated outside the city within the last 10 years:
 | 'Mooltan', former dwelling of Dr Diamond, 137 Victoria Street (known in more recent times as Not Just Bears)
Built c1905, relocated 2003 |
 | Jubilee Memorial Home/Octagonal Buildings, Jubilee Street, Woolston
Built 1888, dismantled 1999 and rebuilt 2004 outside City boundaries |
 | Dwelling, 88 Brockworth Place,
Built ?, removed from City Plan list 1999, partial demolition and partial relocation to Ferrymead Historic Park, 2004 |
"Doomed buildings" finally lost to fire
Protected heritage buildings, places and objects listed in Volume 3, Appendix 1, Part 10 the City Plan destroyed by fire within the last 10 years:
 | Cashel Chambers – Former Farmers building, 214-234 Cashel Street
Built 1882-1919, substantial demolition granted by Commissioner's decision, destroyed by fire 23 January 2005 |
 | Hurst and Drake building, former Armstrong's Department Store, corner High and Madras Streets
Built c1905, destroyed 1997 |
Partial demolition
Protected heritage buildings, places and objects listed in Volume 3, Appendix 1, Part 10 the City Plan partially demolished/subject to 'facadism' within the last 10 years:
 | Hagley High School, 510 Hagley Avenue
Built 1923, partial demolition 1993 |
 | Former Mayfair/Cinerama Theatre, Worcester Street and neighbouring building
Built c1905, all but façade demolished 1995 |
 | Arthur Barnett Ltd/Former Beath's Department Store
Built c1900/1910/1933, largely demolished except for façade 2000 |
 | Former DIC, Lichfield Street
Built 1907, demolished except for façade 2000 |
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