Heritage Christchurch’s Century Old Building Brings the Crowds in – for immediate release
Heritage Christchurch, set in the Old Government Building aged a spritely 102 years old, opened its doors to the public
on Sunday afternoon the 18th of October 2015 as part of the Beca Heritage Week.
The well attended tours were led by historians from Historic Places Canterbury who walked the visitors through decades
of fascinating history held inside what is today a luxury hotel.
The Old Government Building was designed by prolific Canterbury architect Joseph Clarkson Maddison and is the only
example of his work still intact today.
The building opened in 1913 to house the burgeoning city’s many government departments and was redeveloped as a Heritage
Hotel in 1996. Post seismic events, the building had a loving restoration and formally reopened in August 2013 on its
100th birthday.
“The Old Government Building is one of the most magnificent and monumental structures in New Zealand,” said Dr Anna
Crighton from Historic Places Canterbury at the Heritage Christchurch open day.
“This is our third open day since our hotel building reopened and we are delighted at the ongoing public interest. Our
hotel guests frequently tell us how much they appreciate staying in a building of such unique endurance and elegance,”
said Ms Ana Vivas, resident manager of Heritage Christchurch.
ENDS