Bringing back the character
Two neighbouring sites on Christchurch’s original ‘‘Dirty 30’’ list have been sold to a developer who specialises in heritage sites.
Shaun Stockman has bought the earthquake-damaged Cotters building at 158 High St, and the land and rescued facade of the demolished Victoria Black building across the road at 201 High St.
Both structures sit behind shipping containers in the block between Lichfield and Tuam streets.
Stockman paid $560,000 at auction for the Victoria Black facade and land. The seller was well-known auctioneer Barry Watson, who previously ran his art, antiques and jewellery auction business from the building. Before the earthquakes it contained the Victoria Black boutique. The price of the Cotters building, which once housed Cotters Electrical, has not been revealed.
Stockman plans shops, hospitality and office space for the buildings.
Stockman said he liked the history that came with heritage buildings.
‘‘They have their own life and their own story. I love that you can recreate these buildings into something that has life again.’’
His previous projects have included restoring Kensington House in Manchester St, Bonnington House in High St, Stranges Lane hospitality area, and rebuilding the Billens building in lower High St.