Projects

High Street Heritage Project

The creation of a Heritage Precinct in High Street, focusing on the block between Lichfield and Tuam Streets, which is one of the most intact Victorian/Edwardian streetscapes in the City, was completed in April, 2002.

More than 10 years ago the Council widened the footpaths, removed the overhead wires and undertook a tree-planting programme.

Some five years later the Council and Christchurch Heritage Trust worked with the building owners at each end of the block and progressively painted the Majestic theatre, ANZ Chambers, Rueben Blades, Excelsior Hotel, High Para building, and the former High St post office, to provide anchors for the block. The Forum recognised the impact that the block as a whole could achieve if the work was continued and made it a priority project.

This current work has been another joint project between the Council and the affected property owners and has involved the removal of excess wiring, signage and unsightly fire escapes, as well as the repainting of the facades.

With the aim to improve the aesthetics of the street and retain its historic character, the council heritage team saw this project as a way to ensure the viability of the street as a community and business precinct. It is a joint project between the City Council and the affected building owners. The project started with a group meeting of the building owners and Council staff, to talk about the project and how the appropriate painting would draw out the architectural detail contained within the facades. Then council staff met with individual building owners to discuss their specific building and colour options.

Repair work on the facades and signage removal from verandahs was undertaken in January and February. Painting then began on March 4 and was finished in mid April. Facade uplighting and under verandah lighting will be the next stage in the restoration, prior to the reinstallation of the verandah signage.

An additional positive outcome has been the reforming of the High Street Business and Community Association. The reformed association are starting to plan for a street celebration in June to commemorate the completion of this project.

The Forum see this block as a central city heritage precinct showcase and hope others heritage building owners will be inspired by the result.

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