Rotunda to be restored to pre-quake glory?
A $1.2 million restoration of Christchurch’s Edmonds band rotunda could see it returned to its former glory.
The restored Cambridge Tce rotunda, on the banks of the Avon River, is unlikely to include a restaurant as it did before the earthquakes, because it was too costly, but a final decision has yet to be made.
The rebuild was supported by heritage campaigners who want the rotunda used for bands and performances as originally intended.
The rotunda was demolished in 2012 after the columns connecting the roof and the base were severely damaged in the earthquakes. The copper-domed roof was in good condition and was removed so it could be later reinstated.
Four options for the rotunda’s restoration will be discussed at the Christchurch City Council’s communities, housing and economic development committee on Thursday.
Staff favour returning the rotunda to its original purpose, leaving the sides open and not reinstating the basement, preventing it from becoming a restaurant. The $1.2m cost was in line with the budget.
An option to reinstate the rotunda with a basement to allow a restaurant to operate, would cost $1.8m, almost $650,000 over budget.
Council heritage facilities rebuild manager Richie Moyle said in a report it was not certain the basement would get consent.
The structure would have to be brought up to the current building code, which might affect the rotunda’s existing heritage fabric, he said.
Three fire exits would be required and a 12 metre-long ramp to the basement would be needed. The narrow and steep stairs that previously existed would not comply with the code.
Moyle said a significant number of commercial venues were already planned in the immediate vicinity of the rotunda.
Another option to be considered by the committee was spending $1.3m reinstating the rotunda with retractable glazing so the structure could be used during inclement weather.
Christchurch Heritage Trust chairwoman Anna Crighton said she would love to see bands performing at the rotunda every week.
She wanted the council to move the rotunda sideways so it could be seen from New Regent St.
She would like the council to buy land on Armagh St to ensure a building did not block the view in the future.
‘‘This is a one-off opportunity to buy that piece of land so that the New Regent St vista goes down the river bank across the river to the band rotunda.’’
If approved, the restoration would be completed in early 2018.
The rotunda was built in 1929 by Thomas Edmonds to mark his 50 years of business in the city.
It was one of several building projects he either fully or partly funded, including the former Repertory Theatre in Kilmore St, and the clock tower on Oxford Tce. He planted the poplars flanking each side of the river bank.