"Heritage Christchurch, set in the 100-year-old Old Government Building (OGB) on Cathedral Square, was formally reopened by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, on Friday 20 September at 1.30 PM."
Image: On the left - His Excellency, Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand. On the right - Jeffrey Tang, Managing Director, Heritage Hotel Management (Location Heritage Christchurch)
The Media Release is as follows:
HERITAGE CHRISTCHURCH OFFICIALLY REOPENED
BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20 SEPTEMBER 2013
Heritage Christchurch, set in the 100-year-old Old Government Building (OGB) on Cathedral Square, was formally reopened by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, on Friday 20 September at 1.30 PM.
Sir Jerry Mateparae, highlighted the strategic location of the Heritage Hotel in his speech to the invited guests that included local and central government politicians, hospitality industry professionals and heritage experts.
The hotel sits in the heart of Christchurch. The reopening of the Old Government Building is a potent symbol that Christchurch will be rebuilt, and that after the devastation and heartache of recent times, there is a brighter future ahead, the Governor-General said.
Hosting the official event was Heritage Hotel Managements Managing Director, Mr Jeffrey Tang. Mr Tang acknowledged the importance of the hotels building in Christchurchs architectural heritage and as part of the regenerating hospitality industry.
We are delighted to celebrate Christchurchs Heritage and the reopening of our beautiful century old hotel building, restoring it to the citys priceless inventory of working historic buildings. We are privileged guardians of Christchurchs architectural legacy and look forward to being part of a vibrant hospitality business future for Christchurch, said Mr Jeffrey Tang.
The Heritage Christchurch has been a part of the Christchurch hospitality industry since its opening in 1996 in the site of the former Old Government Building.
The OGB, designed by Joseph Clarkson Maddison in an Italian Renaissance Palazzo style, opened in 1913 and is registered as a Category One Building on the Historic Places Trust register.
The building was awarded the Christchurch Heritage Trust Built Heritage Award in 2010 and the New Zealand Seismic Award 2012 in the Canterbury Heritage awards.
Sequestered behind the red zone cordon for two and a half years, the building recently emerged ready to welcome visitors after a loving restoration.
Also speaking at the opening event, was Dr. Anna Crighton, President of Historic Places Aotearoa.
The buildings architect, Joseph Maddison, capped his distinguished architectural career with the design of this building. It is recognised as his finest work and undeniably the most impressive and imposing monumental heritage building in the city of Christchurch, said Dr. Anna Crighton.
Cantabrians can take a look through the hotel on the afternoon of Sunday 20th of October, when the building will be opened for guided tours on the hour. Entry is free with a voluntary donation to Historic Places Aotearoa welcome.
The luxurious Heritage Christchurch Hotel offers beautifully appointed one and two bedroom suites and a fully equipped health club with lap pool, sauna and jacuzzi. For bookings and information visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz
For media information contact:
Susan Gibson
Group Communications Manager
Heritage Hotel Management
Email susang@heritagehotels.co.nz
Phone 09 9797566 or mobile 021 855 645
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