Mona Vale homestead and cafe to reopen
One of Christchurch’s most treasured heritage buildings will reopen to the public later this month.
The closure of the cafe and restaurant at the Mona Vale homestead in October 2018 upset heritage advocates and ‘‘surprised’’ the building’s owner, Christchurch City Council.
After months of talks with the council, Continental Catering Group, which has leased the building since the 1970s, decided to reopen the cafe for ‘‘coffee and cake’’ from February 20.
The homestead will open between 9am and 3pm Wednesday to Sunday during the summer months and on the weekends during winter.
The council spent $3.2 million restoring the Mona Vale homestead following the earthquakes and it opened in November 2016 with Continental operating a cafe seven days a week from 7am to 4pm. From April 2017 the cafe was open five days a week and in October 2018, Continental closed the cafe, deciding to open it only for group bookings, weddings and on the occasional weekend.
Historic Places Trust Canterbury chairman Mark Gerrard said it was great to hear the building was being reopened to the public. ‘‘I think it’s important the public get a chance to see this building. Having a a quiet coffee or tea with cake is a great way to enjoy Mona Vale.’’
Fendalton ward councillor Jamie Gough said he and fellow councillor Vicki Buck had been working closely with Continental and council staff to find an amicable solution. ‘‘I think it’s a superb outcome.’’