Editor’s note: Repurposing our treasured old buildings

Watching the evolving Christchurch cityscape is a joy, thanks to the ongoing repurposing of its numerous classic heritage buildings.

With its English, Irish, and Scottish heritage, it is no wonder that many Christchurch homes, churches, and office buildings reflect the Victorian and Edwardian grandeur of those countries.

Many gracious old architectural builds are long gone, due to time and earthquakes, yet a surprising number live on. Foresight and creative repurposing are to the fore, and often buildings with sound foundations and/or architectural significance are reinvented time after time.

One example is the Drifter in the central city. Located in Lichfield Street, this unique hybrid hotel and hostel, was built in 1919, designed by William Henry Gummer, as the former Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company Building. Previously it was also repurposed as a Livingspace studio hotel and halls of residence.

Another is the popular Church Pub on Worcester Street. Housed in a post-quake, revived 1875 gothic building, once the home of the Trinity Congregational Church, it is testament to a three-year repurposing project.

Throughout the city, and surrounding suburbs, there are also other ongoing builds, both homes and commercial projects, that help retain the character and heritage of Christchurch. They may cost more, yet the end result is worth it.