30 July 2013
C.Lund & Son commences Arts Centre construction contract
Following a competitive tender for the project, locally based construction company C. Lund & Son has begun work on the restoration of the Boys’ High building.
The project has an estimated cost of $15 million and an anticipated finish date of mid 2015.
The Boys’ High building was designed by W.B. Armson and constructed in 1881, with three major extensions in 1891, 1896
and 1913. The building was home to Christchurch Boys’ High until 1926.
Arts Centre chief executive André Lovatt says the work on the Boys’ High building marks another exciting phase in the
restoration of the Arts Centre.
“We are progressing on a number of the most significant heritage buildings within the Arts Centre, and by mid 2015 will
be completing several major projects, including the iconic College Hall and Clock Tower,” says André Lovatt.
“While there is still a long journey ahead we are extremely pleased that the programme is now well underway.”
C. Lund & Son Managing Director, Andrew MacGregor says the company was very excited to be given the opportunity to help restore
the Arts Centre.
“The Arts Centre staff and consultants have done well to get its restoration work underway and we’re thrilled to be a
part of the process. The fact that the buildings are going to be saved and restored is great,” he says.
Mr MacGregor believes the company brings a wide range of experience to the project.
“We’ve carried out a lot of similar strengthening work in the past. We have highly skilled staff familiar with this kind
of work – that is definitely a big part of what we will bring to the Arts Centre,” says Mr MacGregor.
Prior to the earthquakes, the building was home to a number of retail tenants, including Beadz Unlimited, Arts Centre
Leather Shop, the Wool Studio, Woodcraft Gallery, NZ Jade and Opal, Connexions Gallery, Art Works, Gallery O, Arts
Centre Bookshop and Coffee Corner.
Mr Lovatt says a range of uses for the newly restored building are currently being considered in line with the Arts
Centre vision – a process being undertaken in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and experts.
“For the time being, the scope of the restoration will provide flexibility in terms of end uses,” says André Lovatt.
“Ultimately, the Boys’ High building will form a major part of the newly restored Arts Centre’s role as a centre for
education, innovation and creative industry” says Mr Lovatt.
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The Arts Centre of Christchurch is an iconic collection of 23 heritage buildings constructed in the Gothic Revival
style.
For over a century, the site was home to Canterbury College, and then the University of Canterbury. Since 1978, the site
has been held in Trust for the benefit of the people of Canterbury as a place where arts, culture and education are
fostered, promoted and celebrated.
The Arts Centre’s buildings suffered extensive damage in the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquakes, and today, all but one
building on the site is closed to enable an extensive seven-year, $290 million restoration programme. During this period
of restoration, we will gradually phase the re-opening of the site.
The Arts Centre continues to receive generous support from the community, including:
Aotearoa Foundation
Canterbury Earthquake Appeal Trust
Christchurch City Council
Estate of EA Flint
Fletcher Construction Company
Harcourt Installation (2006) Limited
Hilti NZ Limited
Japanese Travel Agents association
K Brown & M Wilson
NZ Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
NZ Steel
Ravensdown Limited
Sheffield SI Limited
Simpson Grierson
The Agency Communications Limited
Dr T Shailer Weston
Welsh Slate
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