Boat Sheds Lined Up For Recognition

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Antigua Boat Sheds, Christchurch. Picture: NZHPT Distinctive Christchurch heritage building, and tourist attraction, the Antigua Boat Sheds is being proposed for greater recognition by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

Since their construction in 1882 the green and white striped-landmark on Cambridge Terrace has become an integral feature of the central city, and with the public enjoying recreational activities on the Avon River. NZHPT is undertaking a review of the boat sheds, with a view to affording it Category I status on its National Register.

Under the Historic Places Act (1993), places with “special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value” may be accorded the highest ranking of Category I status. The Antigua Boat Sheds building currently has a Category II registration.

The current owners, Mike and Sally Jones, undertook a major restoration project in 2006, costing almost $200,000. Significant funding was provided by Christchurch City Council and NZHPT through its National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund. NZHPT Heritage Advisor Robyn Burgess said the Antigua Boat Sheds have provided a popular recreational facility on the river for more than 125 years and continue to do so.

“Christchurch has historically been regarded as the most English of cities in New Zealand, and the boat sheds are a classic example for why people think that way.

“Research indicates they are probably the only surviving example of nineteenth century river boat sheds built for commercial boat hire purposes and the only example of boat sheds being used for the same function for which they were originally built.

“So, when you add in the rarity of the building and its historical and social value it’s a strong indicator that it is of special significance.”

A registration report is available to view online at www.historic.org.nz. NZHPT encourages people to send in letters of submission with comments on the report or review of registration, with a closing date of 5 February. The submissions will be reviewed internally before a final recommendation is put to the NZHPT Board.

“The input from the public during the submission is invaluable. Not only does it provide extra information about the building, it gives an indication of how the public view it’s historic and heritage importance.”

ENDS

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