3 October 2013
MEDIA RELEASE
Environment Canterbury moves ahead with central city rebuild

Environment Canterbury commissioners have today agreed to buy land in central Christchurch and progress building of new offices.

The decision was made at today’s council meeting. The land, at 200 Tuam St, is in the South Frame and the new 8,000 square metre building will comprise a five storey and a four storey block.

Chair of Commissioners, Dame Margaret Bazley, said Environment Canterbury was looking forward to supporting the revitalisation of the central city by moving to a new building in Tuam St.

“We have been eager to rebuild Environment Canterbury’s offices in the central city and now we can really move ahead with those plans.
“Staff are also keen to return to be together in the central city. Working in nine leased offices spread over the city and at Lincoln has posed a number of challenges and being in one central location again will have many positives.”

The site provides the opportunity to be close to commercial activities, the central city bus exchange, and Government ministries within the CBD plan, including the Justice precinct where the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group will be based.

The building plans will now go out for competitive tender. The building will be funded from the sale of the Kilmore Street land, insurance payments and borrowings, and is expected to be complete in 2016.

The Kilmore Street property, where Environment Canterbury offices were before they were damaged in February 2011, is currently under offer for sale and is expected to go unconditional early next year.

ENDS

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