Dux axeing call blasted as ‘arrogant’, ‘narrow-minded’
News that the much-loved Dux de Lux would not be resurrected at the Arts Centre has been described as “concerning”, “astonishingly arrogant” and “narrow-minded” by Christchurch locals.
Meanwhile, Arts Centre boss Philip Aldridge says the “news” is not news at all, and the centre has been considering other options for 18 months.
Numerous people have voiced their concern about the decision to shelve conversations about the proposal, questioning how such an iconic establishment could be seen as “not beneficial” to the Arts Centre.
Dux de Lux, on the corner of Montreal and Hereford streets, was a popular part of the Christchurch hospitality scene pre-earthquake, with a sunny courtyard, microbrewery, live music and pescatarian restaurant.
After the earthquake, Dux founder Richard Sinke had been in talks with the Arts Centre about how the $12 million restoration of the now derelict building could be funded to allow the Dux to reopen.
Yesterday, The Press reported Aldridge saying any conversations about resurrecting the old Dux had been shelved. “A much better scheme [was] on the table” that would be more beneficial for the centre, he said.
Letters to The Press described the decision as “extremely concerning”, “astonishingly arrogant” and “narrow-minded”.
Sinke and James Stewart, who was part of the bid to resurrect the Dux, both said Aldridge’s comments came as a surprise.
But Aldridge said the decision was not a recent development.
“We spoke to ReDux [the group lobbying for the Dux’s resurrection] exclusively for two years, we were very excited about it initially. But they couldn’t form a credible business plan, so about 18 months ago we moved on from that and we’ve been talking to others since.
“Now we have a very good plan in place, which would benefit the Arts Centre.”
Aldridge refused to be drawn on who was involved with the new plan, except to say it would be a restaurant/bar/brewery-type operation. “We gave [ReDux] an exclusive period for two years and that was confidential, so we’re extending the same courtesy to the people we’re talking to at the moment.”
The building, originally home to the university’s student union, was given category II heritage status by the Historic Places Trust.
Zak Cassels, from Cassels Brewing Co, said there was a possibility his company could become involved with the site, but it was all at the “pie in the sky stage”.
“It was a wonderful place and let’s hope it can be a wonderful place again. I would love it if we could be there, but we are a long way from that.”
Other key players in the local hospitality industry who The Press spoke to said they were not involved in any discussions about a new venture at the Arts Centre.
Oxford Group owner Max Bremner said his business was not involved, but it would take significant financial investment to get the building back to its former glory. He agreed it was “a wonderful site and a wonderful historic pub”, but said times had moved on and there was no use living in the past.
Bar owner and founder of Inkster Company Nick Inkster said he had no involvement, but the Dux de Lux had inspired him to do what he is doing today.
Three Boys Brewer owner Ralph Bungard said he had no idea who might be involved, but he understood why so many locals had fond memories of the old business.
“It was always a nice spot for families and it had that lovely angle with the first vegetarian restaurant as well, and then it also was such a great band venue. It was way ahead of its time.”
Two Thumb Brewing Company co-owner Dave Dixon confirmed his company was not involved, and added it would be disappointing if someone from outside of Christchurch was being considered.
“We already have some amazing breweries and amazing bars.”
Dixon questioned why the Arts Centre would not allow Dux de Lux back into the space where it had been an iconic part of Christchurch’s hospitality scenery. “They built an absolute gold standard of a venue there.”
Aldridge told The Press the Arts Centre was not in talks with a multi-national company. “This is an Arts Centre. That wouldn’t fit at all.”
Sinke said he always had a vision of him once again standing in the doorway at the Dux de Lux’s former site, looking out into the sunny courtyard while it was buzzing and humming with people.
“It is quite sad to have lost that.” Mayor Phil Mauger, who pledged on the campaign trail to try to help bring back the famous pub, said he was “sure there is a way through”.
He’d not spoken to Sinke for a couple of years and had not spoken to Aldridge recently.
“I think there is still an opportunity for us, the council, to buy that building and maybe look after it ourselves or get someone else to get it fixed.”
However, he said the council was currently focused on its long-term plan.
We were disappointed to read in yesterday’s Press that our offer to repair and restore the Dux de Lux to its original site in the Christchurch Arts Centre has been rejected (Bid to resurrect Dux at Arts Centre ‘finished’).
Our group has been working on a plan for more than three years to fund repair and reinstate the original Dux to its site in the Arts Centre. We have been given no chance for further dialogue or negotiation and that the site is to be given to another unnamed company to operate a brew bar and restaurant, which has no social or historical reference to the site. The operator is yet to be announced.
The Dux has been a great supporter of New Zealand arts, culture and music, the very objectives the Arts Centre Trust was set up for. It was also the birthplace of the buskers’ festival of many famous NZ bands, hosted the best Christmas Eves ever, and a huge New Year’s Eve music gig showcasing NZ’s best musical talent, as well as providing wonderful hospitality and socialising spaces that enhance a community’s wellbeing. A place you could take your partner, kids, grandparents, overseas guests, canine friends.
The Dux was also the largest tenant in terms of income to the Arts Centre and attracted hundreds of thousands of people annually, further contributing to the ambience of the spaces. For what are stone buildings unless humans are there to make them come alive.
A sad day.
Richard Sinke, Redcliffs