Chronology of the site

The Arts Centre was the original site of the University of Canterbury, and Christchurch Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools.

Classes commenced at Canterbury College – later to become the University of Canterbury – in temporary accommodation in Lichfield Street in June 1874. It took two more years to decide on a site and another year after that before the first permanent building was completed.

Year
Completed    Building
    
1877               Tin Shed (demolished approximately 1914)
1877               Clock Tower
1878               Christchurch Girls' High School / Art School    
1879               East Wing Addition
1881               Christchurch Boys' High School
1882               Great Hall (also known as College Hall)
1883               Original 1883 house (Student Union*)
1887               School of Engineering founded
1888               Classics Block
1891               Boys’ High Additions
1891               Mechanical Laboratory
1893               Art School Extensions
1896               Biology and Observatory
1896               Boys’ High Additions
1902               Electrical Engineering
1902               Art School Additions
1906               Hydraulics Laboratory
1908               Boys' High Gymnasium
1910               Chemistry Building
1914               Hydraulics Extensions
1915               Library
1916               Common Room
1916               Registry
1917               West Lecture
1917               Physics
1917               Arcades
1918               Biology Extension
1923               Electrical Engineering Extensions
1929               Student Union Addition (Dux de Lux)
1951               Student Union Addition (Dux de Lux)
1952-55         Student Union Addition (Dux de Lux)
1957               Registry Additions – Ground Floor
1966               Registry Additions – First Floor

*Purchased by the college in 1926.