Prime Minister Writes a Page in History

Today will mark a page for the history books when Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, lays a time capsule in the central city’s Avon River precinct, 4 metres below ground level, in anticipation of discovery by future generations of our hallowed city.

The time capsule containing memoirs of Christchurch City pre and post the event of February 22nd 2011 will be buried on 151 Cambridge Terrace, a development site owned by well known Christchurch businessman Stephen Collins.

“As a city we have lost so much through the earthquakes. There’s also been an unprecedented loss of things that preserved so much of our heritage. Not only do I wish to create a building that will one day be an antique in its own right, I wish to preserve something of the journey that we have all been on over the past 3 years, said Collins.

“There are always good intentions to record things, but you only have to look back in history to see the gaps of intent where someone has tried admirably to fill in the gaps. I don’t wish for any of our future generations to be left wondering about this city’s recovery.”

The iconic site is itself steeped in history. Originally housing Church House, home to the Bishop of Christchurch and Mrs Alywyn Warren and thereafter the infamous Santorini’s Greek Taverna. Collins’ development, due for completion in December 2014, is a remarkable design and one that will ensure that 151 Cambridge Terrace remains a true Christchurch jewel.

Ken Powrie, Jasmax Project Architect, commented, “Over time, we believe the site will once again become a constant in an ever changing city; and in time will represent a seminal part of New Zealand’s architectural history.

“The design of 151 Cambridge Terrace was derived from its unique river setting. The site, literally on the river’s bank, embodies the idea of regeneration of Christchurch’s CBD; offering the people of Christchurch a building that will enhance the city’s urban fabric.”

While Collins has personally sourced much of the contents of the time capsule, the Christchurch City Council has also contributed items of historic significance along with Deloitte, the anchor tenant of Collins’ new development.

-ENDS-

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