Quake damage forces heritage property closures

New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) properties the Timeball Station in Lyttelton and Coton’s Cottage in Hororata have been closed for visiting and viewing until further notice due to damage sustained in Saturday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Canterbury.

The full extent of the Timeball Station’s damage is being assessed, but includes the loss of both chimneys. The first chimney fell through the roof causing considerable water damage. Both chimneys have now been demolished by the Urban Search and Rescue team and tarpaulins are covering the holes in the roof. The public is advised to stay away from the site.

The public are also being asked not to visit Coton’s Cottage, the cob cottage built in the mid-1860s and typical of a 19th century dwelling on a small Canterbury holding. An early inspection indicates the cottage has been significantly damaged, but an accurate assessment will be determined by a structural engineer. If it is able to be repaired it will take considerable time, as will the Timeball repairs.

NZHPT Heritage Destinations General Manager Priscilla Pitts said extensive maintenance work had recently been completed on the Timeball Station.

“As many thousands of people in the Canterbury region have experienced, the effects of the earthquake have really hit home, and the physical destruction is heart-wrenching.

“These historic heritage properties belong to the nation and they are much-loved. Fortunately at the Timeball the new drystone retaining walls seem to have been unaffected, but sadly the condition of Coton’s Cottage does not appear to be favourable.”

NZHPT staff are working with the Christchurch City Council and Civil Defence in assessing heritage buildings in the region. Staff from the NZHPT’s Christchurch office have temporarily relocated to the council’s heritage office.

ENDS

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