Arts Centre boss resigns

The man leading the $290 million restoration of Christchurch’s historic Arts Centre has resigned.

The Arts Centre of Christchurch chief executive Andre Lovatt announced his resignation yesterday morning.

He will start a new job at Auckland Airport in February.

Lovatt was recruited in 2012 to lead the Arts Centre restoration after the February 2011 earthquake extensively damaged the heritage buildings.

Lovatt has been on the boards of Christchurch Airport and Regenerate Christchurch.

Lovatt said he was sad to leave his home town, but with progress at the Arts Centre ‘‘welladvanced’’, it was time for a new challenge.

More than half of the Arts Centre’s 23 buildings have reopened, many with new tenants.

‘‘I have been extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to make a contribution to the restoration of the Arts Centre – an awesome responsibility given so many residents and visitors to Christchurch hold the place very dear,’’ he said.

Arts Centre Trust Board chairwoman Felicity Price said those involved in the restoration project would miss Lovatt.

‘‘There is no doubt that during his five-year tenure, Andre has brought the Arts Centre forward into the 21st Century, from a badly broken collection of earthquakedamaged buildings to a site that is now vibrant and populated.’’

The Arts Centre has won several local and international heritage restoration and architecture awards, including an Award of Merit in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for the restoration of the Great Hall and Clock Tower buildings.

Lovatt will manage Auckland Airport’s infrastructure development and delivery team.