Finish line in sight
Developers behind the $10 million Duncan’s Lane project in central Christchurch have had their heritage grant extended for a year but say the project will be finished this winter.
The development involves attaching the rescued facades of eight of the damaged heritage listed Duncan’s Buildings to new structures behind, creating a precinct of hospitality outlets and boutique shops. Opening on to the new Duncan’s Lane, the project will extend the High St Lanes area, which began with the McKenzie and Willis redevelopment and Little High eatery.
Earthquake damage to the buildings and others nearby have blocked lower High St. It is the only central city block that has not reopened to vehicle traffic since the earthquakes.
This week city councillors voted unanimously to extend the deadline for the project’s $362,000 heritage incentive grant for another year. The grant was first approved in mid-2017 to meet half the expected $725,000 cost of repairing and strengthening the facades.
Council heritage staff described the buildings, which date from 1905 and now form part of the innovation precinct, as ‘‘very important’’ to the city.
Developer Richard Peebles said the project would be finished by June or July and the road should be open mid-year.
He and development partners Mike Percasky and Kris Inglis, who together make up Duncan’s Lane Ltd, originally hoped to be finished by this summer.
The trio are also the team behind the McKenzie and Willis development and the Riverside Farmers Market under way in Cashel St.
Tenants signed up for Duncan’s Lane to date include Recycled Boutique, Bohemian Bakery, Utopia Ice Cream, MDS Law, Vapo, and Hemingway Design.
Duncan’s Lane Ltd started on the project in the second half of 2017.
The roof has just gone on the new rear structure, while windows will go back into the double-storey brick and Oamaru stone facades next week.
An opening in the building will link lower High St to Duncan’s Lane, which adjoins Evolution Square.
Eighteen months in, a third of the council’s contribution has been handed over.