"Heritage New Zealand is pleased with the Environment Court’s decision that confirms Heritage New Zealand’s decision to decline an archaeological authority for the demolition of McLean’s Mansion in central Christchurch because of its outstanding heritage values."

"The Environment Court decision concluded that refusing the appeal “does not prevent or restrict the existing or reasonable future use of the site” and that the owners do not lack alternatives which could substantially reduce the cost of undertaking a restoration."

The Media Release is as follows:

 

 

 

 

6 July 2016 

Heritage value recognised in McLean’s Mansion decision

Heritage New Zealand is pleased with the Environment Court’s decision that confirms Heritage New Zealand’s decision to decline an archaeological authority for the demolition of McLean’s Mansion in central Christchurch because of its outstanding heritage values.

The Environment Court dismissed the appeal by Taggart Earthmoving Limited who had applied for an emergency archaeological authority under the Canterbury Earthquake (Historic Places Act) Order 2011.

The property’s heritage values are recognised in its entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero as a Category 1 historic place, denoting it as being a ‘place of special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value’ and it is scheduled in Christchurch City Council’s District Plan. Its significance is further recognised with scheduling as a heritage item on the proposed Replacement Christchurch District Plan.

“McLean’s Mansion is one of the largest houses in New Zealand to be constructed from native timber,” says Heritage New Zealand’s Southern Region General Manager Sheila Watson.

“It boasts an impressive 53 rooms over two storeys, and features distinctive twin turrets. Since 1900 the property has been a much-used and admired part of the Christchurch streetscape and society.

“The level of public interest and debate in the property’s importance to Christchurch has been very encouraging. The city’s mood that McLean’s Mansion be kept and all efforts be made to retain this significant heritage place was reflected in an editorial in The Press three years ago, given so much had already been lost.”

The Environment Court decision concluded that refusing the appeal “does not prevent or restrict the existing or reasonable future use of the site” and that the owners do not lack alternatives which could substantially reduce the cost of undertaking a restoration.

Heritage New Zealand has provided advice to the current owners of McLean’s Mansion on the range of funding options available to assist in the costs of repair. The owners are eligible to apply for funding assistance from the Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Buildings Trust and Christchurch City Council’s Heritage Incentive Fund Grant or Landmark Grant Fund. The National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund, administered by Heritage New Zealand on behalf of the Government, is another potential source of funding to support the owners.

The Court concluded that, even in its present condition, the building ‘has very high historical and cultural heritage value that justifies protection. The values of the building are such that it is of local, regional, national and international significance. The building contributes towards Cantabrians’ sense of place and identity’.

Heritage New Zealand agrees with the Court’s conclusion that ‘In a context where so much of the City’s heritage fabric has been lost as a consequence of the Canterbury earthquakes the contribution the building makes to the social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing of [the] greater Christchurch community is enduring’.

Heritage New Zealand is keen to work with current and future owners to support them in their efforts to conserve this highly significant heritage building.

ENDS