Conservation

All Arts Centre buildings have a Category 1 Historic Places rating so are therefore part of a comprehensive conservation plan to restore and strengthen them to last another 100 years and for future generations.

This work is planned, carried out and recorded in accordance with the state-of-the-art and the internationally accepted conservation principles as set out in the ICOMOS New Zealand Charter.

The Arts Centre has developed good working relationships with the NZ Historic Places Trust, Christchurch City Council and other heritage experts, to ensure that conservation and maintenance work is consistent with conservation best practice, while ensuring the site's viability as a user-friendly centre for the arts.

Generally the philosophy for the renewal and repair of original building fabric such as stonework, timber and slate roofs, has been to only work on the damaged areas as an efficient way of using resources, and leaving as much original fabric intact as possible.

Many major projects have also been completed, including fire sprinkler and smoke detection systems, earthquake strengthening, stone replacement and new slate roofs.

The Arts Centre has its own in-house Property Team that includes carpenters, painters, a stonemason and site services staff. Continuous improvements are therefore achieved throughout the year, ranking The Arts Centre as one of the most progressive building conservation sites in the southern hemisphere, while retaining near 100% tenant occupancy. Essential conservation projects are funded through continual generous annual donations from the CCC and Lotteries Commission.