Thomas Edmonds Band Rotunda to return

The iconic Thomas Edmonds Band Rotunda will be rebuilt in its prime riverside location, giving future generations of Christchurch the chance to enjoy its old-world charms.

The recommendation to proceed was made at today’s Communities, Housing and Economic Development Committee meeting. The committee will request Council approval for Christchurch City Council’s City Services group to use the original dome roof – currently preserved on its historic Avon River site – in the rebuild.

The project will incorporate one notable addition to the Rotunda – retractable windows, enabling audiences to comfortably enjoy performances inside the Rotunda in less-than-ideal weather.

The Thomas Edmonds Band Rotunda pictured before the earthquakes.

"Thomas Edmonds Band Rotunda is a fantastic example of a striking and iconic piece of heritage that can also be actively used by the community," says Councillor Andrew Turner, CHED Committee Chair.

"Glazing the structure makes it more functional – particularly in Christchurch's climate. It means that the people of Christchurch will get the opportunity to enjoy the rotunda all year round, and in keeping with the original spirit in which it was gifted to us by Thomas Edmonds all those years ago. It's yet another place to celebrate our creativity and celebrate our city – and a particularly beautiful one at that."

To mark his 50 years of business in Christchurch, Thomas John Edmonds embarked on a number of philanthropic building projects, including the Theosophical Society building on Cambridge Terrace, the Radiant Hall on Kilmore Street and the famous Edmonds clock tower. Outdoor brass bands were a popular form of entertainment in Christchurch and in 1929 Edmonds, himself a supporter of the Woolston Brass Band, donated the Band Rotunda to coincide with his own jubilee celebrations.

The Rotunda sustained earthquake damage in February 2011, and as a result was deconstructed, with the instantly recognisable – and relatively unscathed – copper heritage dome kept on site to be included in a rebuild at a later date.

The project is budgeted at approximately $1.5 million, and is expected to get underway in early 2017.