“The Old Government Building is one of the most magnificent and monumental structures in New Zealand,” said Dr Anna Crighton from Historic Places Canterbury at the Heritage Christchurch open day.

“This is our third open day since our hotel building reopened and we are delighted at the ongoing public interest. Our hotel guests frequently tell us how much they appreciate staying in a building of such unique endurance and elegance,” said Ms Ana Vivas, resident manager of Heritage Christchurch.

The Media Release is as follows:

Heritage Christchurch’s Century Old Building Brings the Crowds in – for immediate release

Heritage Christchurch, set in the Old Government Building aged a spritely 102 years old, opened its doors to the public on Sunday afternoon the 18th of October 2015 as part of the Beca Heritage Week.

The well attended tours were led by historians from Historic Places Canterbury who walked the visitors through decades of fascinating history held inside what is today a luxury hotel.

The Old Government Building was designed by prolific Canterbury architect Joseph Clarkson Maddison and is the only example of his work still intact today.

The building opened in 1913 to house the burgeoning city’s many government departments and was redeveloped as a Heritage Hotel in 1996. Post seismic events, the building had a loving restoration and formally reopened in August 2013 on its 100th birthday.

“The Old Government Building is one of the most magnificent and monumental structures in New Zealand,” said Dr Anna Crighton from Historic Places Canterbury at the Heritage Christchurch open day.

“This is our third open day since our hotel building reopened and we are delighted at the ongoing public interest. Our hotel guests frequently tell us how much they appreciate staying in a building of such unique endurance and elegance,” said Ms Ana Vivas, resident manager of Heritage Christchurch.

ENDS

About Heritage Christchurch

Heritage Christchurch is a hotel set in the 102-year-old Old Government Building (OGB) on Cathedral Square. The hotel has been operating in the building since 1996 after a major redevelopment and strengthening. The luxurious property offers beautifully appointed self-contained one and two bedroom suites, plus, a fully equipped health club with lap pool, sauna and jacuzzi on site.

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. In 2014 it received a further commendation in the Canterbury Heritage awards in the tourism category. The Old Government Building and its endurance has been described as of ‘monumental importance’ to the city’s architectural heritage by experts and is a property Heritage Hotel Management is particularly proud of.

For bookings and information call 03 983 4800 or visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz/christchurch