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Christchurch City Council has advised that it will be upgrading one of New Zealand’s oldest surviving malthouses alongside undertaking repairs to the historic 1882 Antigua Boatsheds.

The Malthouse building in Colombo Street which was constructed in 1869 and is the only known example of an intact, stand-alone malthouse in the country will be preserved for future generations with the assistance of a $72,100 Heritage Incentive Grant.

It was purchased by the Canterbury Children’s Theatre in 1965 and has provided a home and venue for this group ever since. In addition, it is used by community groups and houses Malthouse Costumes. The building is scheduled as ‘Highly Significant’ in the Christchurch District Plan and is listed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga as a Category 2 Historic Place.

Christchurch City Council has approved a grant to support the replacement of the roof and repair/replacement for rotten areas of the roof structure. This will cover an estimated 50% of the costs involved. The Malthouse Trust is seeking further funding from the Lottery Grants Board and crowd funding via a ‘Give a Little’ page.

The Council also approved a Heritage Incentive Grant of $21,925 to the historic 1882 Antigua Boatsheds, for roof repairs and exterior repainting. The boatsheds have remained in use for boat hire for over 140 years.

An 1885 guide to Christchurch describes the Antigua Boatsheds as “…the most complete in the colony. They have a landing stage with a frontage of 200 feet to the river, ladies’ waiting room and gentlemen’s dressing room, and besides all these easily house the 38 boats…”

Council Heritage Team Leader Brendan Smyth shares “these two buildings are an important part of the city’s heritage fabric and social history, and they will hold a special place in the memories of many people.

“By supporting building owners through the Heritage Incentive Grants we are helping to preserve and protect our city’s history.”

In addition to these two grants, the Council also approved six other grants to heritage buildings across the city.

More information on Heritage Grants 

Images. Credit: Christchurch City Council

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