17 February 2011

Media Release

Ashburton Flour Mill fire a damage to heritage

Recording and retaining as much knowledge of the historic Canterbury Roller Flour Mill buildings in Ashburton is a priority for the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

The fire that swept through the original timber building built in 1873 has destroyed it and left its early 20th century tall brick addition completely gutted. The adjacent store built in 1875 was also severely damaged. Both have Category II entries on the NZHPT’s Register.

NZHPT Southern Region General Manager Malcolm Duff said staff had assessed damage at the site today and discussed options with attending fire fighters and Ashburton District Council staff. The buildings had already suffered damage in the 4 September earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

“Public safety is the first priority,” Mr Duff said. “The reports we received early on suggested the fire was extensive and that the buildings may even collapse under their own weight at some stage.”

Mr Duff said while an archaeological authority was usually required under the Historic Places Act (HPA) 1993 to damage or modify a site, the HPA also allows for immediate demolition where there is an immediate risk to public safety.

“This is a terrible loss of Ashburton’s, and Mid Canterbury’s, heritage. The buildings have been a landmark in the town since the 1870s and were still being used by several businesses to this day.

“Unfortunately the power of fire is overwhelming, especially for timber buildings, and the result in Ashburton is an overwhelming sense of heritage loss. Flour milling was a widespread early industry in New Zealand and the Canterbury Plains became the most important area for wheat growing.”

ENDS

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