The Press Building, Christchurch

Last updated

The Press Building
Christchurch Press Building - as it once was.jpg
The Press Building in November 2010
The Press Building, Christchurch
General information
TypeOffice and printing press
Architectural style Perpendicular Gothic
LocationCorner Cathedral Square and Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City
Address32 Cathedral Square
Town or cityChristchurch
CountryNew Zealand
Coordinates 43°31′50″S172°38′17″E / 43.5306°S 172.6381°E / -43.5306; 172.6381
Construction started1907
Completed1909
Inaugurated2 February 1909
Demolished2011
Client The Press
Technical details
Structural systemReinforced concrete
Design and construction
Architect(s)John Goddard Collins
Architecture firm Armson, Collins and Harman
Main contractor Henry Eli White
Designated2 April 1985
Reference no.302
References
"Register Record". UC Quakestudies. Retrieved 30 August 2019.

The Press Building, located in Cathedral Square in Christchurch, was the home of The Press between 1909 and February 2011. The building, designed in the Perpendicular Gothic style, was registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I heritage item, with the registration number 302. It suffered significant damage in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, with one staff member killed in the collapsed top floor. The building was demolished in July and August of 2011.

Contents

History

The results of the 1919 general election displayed outside The Press Building Press Building, 1919.jpg
The results of the 1919 general election displayed outside The Press Building

The Press was founded in 1861 by James FitzGerald in order to oppose the politics of his political rival William Sefton Moorhouse. [1] From humble beginnings in a Montreal Street cottage, the newspaper was next located in Cashel Street. George Stead bought the newspaper in 1890, and in 1905 purchased a site in Cathedral Square for a new building in a location that he thought would become the town centre. [2] [3] The firm of Armson, Collins and Harman was engaged to design the building, and John Goddard Collins designed a four-storey building in perpendicular Gothic style. [3] The builder was Henry Eli White. [4]

The building was constructed using reinforced concrete, one of the first in Christchurch to utilise this technique, to support the weight of the printing presses. He allowed for a distinctive tower in the south-west corner. The first edition of The Press produced in the building was published on 2 February 1909. From 1886 to the 1920s, the newspaper used pigeon post for message transfer, and the pigeon house remains on the roof of the building. [3]

The building was sold in 2008 to the Australian company Ganellen. [5] The redevelopment plan was to build a new head office for The Press on an adjacent site in Gloucester Street, and the historic Press Building was to be refurbished as "an A-grade commercial building". [6] [7]

The building was damaged in the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, and the company vacated the building on 8 September 2010. The building was certified for use again. It suffered significant damage in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake with the top floor collapsing; one employee died, several people were seriously injured and many staff were trapped in the rubble. [8] The earthquake hit two weeks before staff were due to move into the adjacent new office building. [7] The building was demolished in July 2011. All that was remaining by 25 July 2011 was the main entrance door with the newspaper's motto above it ("Nihil utile quod non honestum", which translates to "Nothing is useful that is not honest") and the company's crest above it. Contractors are trying to remove the crest in one piece. [9] [10]

Following the February 2011 earthquake, the staff of The Press worked for 15 months out of a portacom village adjacent to their printing press in Harewood near the airport. They moved into their new building, adjacent to their old site, in May 2012. The first newspaper to be produced in the new premises was the 28 May 2012 edition. [11]

Heritage listing

The Press Building showing damage from the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, with the top floor of the building collapsed The Press Building, Cathedral Square.jpg
The Press Building showing damage from the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, with the top floor of the building collapsed
The roof of The Press Building showing the collapsed top floor, as seen from the new Press building The Press Building, roof1.jpg
The roof of The Press Building showing the collapsed top floor, as seen from the new Press building

On 2 April 1985, the building was registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I historic place, with the registration number 302. The Lyttelton Times Building in contemporary Chicago school architectural style is located in the same quadrant of Cathedral Square, and the two façades represent the two different newspaper styles, with The Press being regarded as the more conservative newspaper. The building is a notable example of the firm of Armson, Collins and Harman. The use of reinforced concrete is one of the earliest examples in Christchurch. [3]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Press</i> New Zealand newspaper

The Press is a daily newspaper published in Christchurch, New Zealand, owned by media business Stuff Ltd. First published in 1861, the newspaper is the largest circulating daily in the South Island and publishes Monday to Saturday. One community newspaper—Northern Outlook—is also published by The Press and is free.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canterbury Museum, Christchurch</span> Museum in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Canterbury Museum is a museum located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, in the city's Cultural Precinct. The museum was established in 1867 with Julius von Haast – whose collection formed its core – as its first director. The building is registered as a "Historic Place – Category I" by Heritage New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christchurch</span> Church in Christchurch Central City, New Zealand

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was a Catholic cathedral located on Barbadoes Street in the city centre of Christchurch, New Zealand. It was the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Christchurch and seat of the Bishop of Christchurch.

<i>Lyttelton Times</i>

The Lyttelton Times was the first newspaper in Canterbury, New Zealand, publishing the first edition in January 1851. It was established by the Canterbury Association as part of its planned settlement of Canterbury and developed into a liberal, at the time sometimes seen as radical, newspaper. A successor paper, The Star, is published as a free bi-weekly newspaper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyttelton Times Building</span> Initially commercial, now hostel in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Lyttelton Times Building, last known as Base Backpackers, in 56 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, was the last headquarters of the Lyttelton Times before its demise in 1935 as the then-oldest newspaper in New Zealand. The building in Chicago School architectural style was registered with New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I heritage item, with the registration number 7216. The building's last use was as a backpackers' hostel and a restaurant. It was demolished following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warner's Hotel</span> Hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand

Warner's Hotel in 50 Cathedral Square, Christchurch is the site of a hotel established in 1863. The original building, extended on numerous occasions, burned down in 1900. A new building was built in 1901. Again, it underwent numerous alterations. A fourth storey was added in 1910 and the northern end of the building was demolished in 1917 and a theatre built in its place to create a noise buffer to the printing presses of the adjoining Lyttelton Times Building. The theatre was demolished in 1996 and patrons enjoyed a beer garden. In 2010, a high-rise Novotel hotel opened on the site of the beer garden and in the process, the historical and symmetrical 1901 façade was recreated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chief Post Office, Christchurch</span> Government, with some commercial enterprises in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Chief Post Office or Christchurch Central Post Office, originally known as the Government Buildings, is located in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand. The building was initially a post office with Immigration, Customs and Public Works departments. The Government Buildings were later replaced by the new Government Buildings opened in 1913, and the Chief Post Office remained on-site. In 1881, New Zealand’s first telephone exchange was installed in the building. Post services were offered from the building until 2000 when it was re-purposed to house a Christchurch tourist information centre and a restaurant, café and offices. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake the building closed. In the early 2020s repairs and strengthening took place. The building was planned to reopen in 2023 in stages, and eventually include a restaurant, shops, and a visitor information centre, under the name "The Grand". The structure is registered with Heritage New Zealand as a Category I heritage building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cranmer Centre</span> Former school in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Cranmer Centre was a historic building in Christchurch, New Zealand. Its original use, until 1986, was as the Christchurch Girls' High School, the second high school for girls in the country. Registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I heritage building, it was purchased by Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust in 2001, and demolished in May 2011 following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dux de Lux</span> Residential, converted to a restaurant and bar in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Dux de Lux, originally called Llanmaes, was a popular beer garden and restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand, that was part of the Arts Centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armson, Collins and Harman</span>

Armson, Collins and Harman was an architectural firm in New Zealand. It was founded by William Barnett Armson (1832/3–1883), and after his death, became the practice of two architects who articled with him, John James Collins (1855–1933) and Richard Dacre Harman (1859–1927).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guthrey Centre</span> Office building and shops in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Guthrey Centre at 126 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, originally the offices of Andersons Foundry and later 'Andersons Ltd, was a Category I heritage building registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. The building was demolished following severe damage from the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

William Barnett Armson was an architect, surveyor, engineer in colonial New Zealand. A co-founder of the Canterbury Association of Architects, and an architect to the provincial government, he established the architectural firm of Armson, Collins and Harman in 1870, which remained active until 1993. It was one of the two oldest architectural firms in New Zealand. His most important work was the Bank of New Zealand building in Dunedin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Excelsior Hotel, Christchurch</span> Hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Excelsior Hotel in 120 Manchester Street, Christchurch, originally the Borough Hotel, in recent years known as Excelsior Backpackers or New Excelsior Backpackers, was a Category I heritage building in central Christchurch. It was designed by then most prominent architect, William Armson, and was one of the few remaining examples of his work in the city. It was heavily damaged in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, and all but its western façade was demolished after the earthquakes. The remaining part was demolished in April 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trinity Congregational Church, Christchurch</span> Restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand

TheTrinity Church or Trinity Congregational Church designed by Benjamin Mountfort, later called the State Trinity Centre, is a Category I heritage building listed with Heritage New Zealand. Damaged in the 2010 Canterbury earthquake and red-stickered after the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the building was threatened with demolition like most other central city heritage buildings. In June 2012, it was announced that the building would be saved, repaired and earthquake strengthened. The building, post its church status, has housed some commercial operations, including the State Trinity Centre; 'The Octagon' (2006–2010); and later, following earthquake repairs, a business called 'The Church Brew Pub' (2023–present).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cranmer Court</span> Education building in Christchurch, New Zealand

Cranmer Court, the former Christchurch Normal School, was one of the most significant heritage buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand. Its demolition, due to some damage in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, was controversial.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canterbury Club</span> Gentlemens Club in Christchurch, New Zealand

The Canterbury Club is a historic gentlemen's club in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand. It was founded by urban professionals in 1872 as a breakaway club from the Christchurch Club, which had been set up by large rural landholders in 1856.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonio Hall (house)</span> Residential home in Christchurch, New Zealand

Antonio Hall, also known as Antonio House and previously Kilmead and Campion Hall, is an historic mansion in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton. Although protected as a Category II heritage building by Heritage New Zealand, it has been left to fall into ruin. A large property with 279 rooms and once described as "one of the finest in Christchurch and vicinity", it was for three decades used as a Catholic seminary. After a major fire in July 2019, Antonio Hall was then almost completely destroyed by another fire on 5 November 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Community of the Sacred Name</span>

The Community of the Sacred Name is a community of nuns in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia. CSN Sisters currently live in Christchurch, Ashburton, Nukualofa and Suva. The former Motherhouse of the community including convent, chapel and novitiate stood in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Harman (cricketer)</span> New Zealand cricketer, tennis player, and architect

Richard Dacre Harman was a New Zealand cricketer, tennis player and architect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Worcester Street, Christchurch</span> Street in Christchurch, New Zealand

Worcester Street is a road in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand. It runs from the intersection of Rolleston Avenue in the west, and terminates in the east at the intersection of Woodham Road in Linwood. Between Rolleston Avenue and Cambridge Terrace, it is known as Worcester Boulevard.

References

  1. McIntyre, W. David (1 September 2010). "FitzGerald, James Edward – Biography". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  2. Ogilvie, Gordon (1 September 2010). "Stead, George Gatonby – Biography". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Press Building". UC Quakestudies. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  4. "An incipient fire". The Press. Vol. LXIV, no. 13038. 13 February 1908. p. 7. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  5. "Christchurch Press Buildings Redevelopment". Canterbury Heritage. 13 February 2008. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  6. Conway, Glenn (16 February 2011). "Press building to be retained". The Press. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  7. 1 2 Bunny, Sara (April 2011). "Thank god you're here". Avenues (82): 23.
  8. "Christchurch Press employee seeks probe". The Press. 22 March 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  9. Wright, Michael (25 July 2011). "Bid to save heritage pieces". The Press. p. A3. Retrieved 28 July 2011.
  10. "The Press building demolition". The Press . 27 July 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  11. Carville, Olivia (28 May 2012). "Editor sees return to 'where we belong'". The Press . p. A4. Retrieved 5 June 2012.