“Historic Botanic Gardens glasshouses reopen” C.C.C. Media Release (15.07.14)

"A highlight of this programme over the past month has been the reopening of two glasshouses – the Botanic Gardens’ historic Cuningham House and Townend conservatory".
The Media Release for the Christchurch City Council Community Committee contained the following Heritage news:
Historic Botanic Gardens glasshouses reopen

Tuesday 15 July 2014

Christchurch City Council’s Community Committee met today (Tuesday 15 July) and received a report on the Council’s Facilities Rebuild programme. A highlight of this programme over the past month has been the reopening of two glasshouses – the Botanic Gardens’ historic Cuningham House and Townend conservatory. The Fern House and Foweraker conservatory are also currently open, and the Garrick and Gilpin conservatory collections are currently being outfitted with new plant displays. Pre-quake, these conservatories would attract around 280,000 visitors a year. They are home to impressive – and sometimes rare – plant collections. Of particular historic note is Cuningham House, a heritage building from the 1920s which is listed with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
The Media Release linked to the following text and image on the CCC Site:

Cunningham Glasshouse Interior (Image Sourced C.C.C. website)

Cunningham Glasshouse Interior (Image Sourced C.C.C. website)

Cuningham House
Cuningham House was opened in 1923 as a result of a bequest by Mr G.A.C. Cuningham. It is a large, stately structure of architectural importance and is listed with the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. A spacious staircase leads to a large peripheral gallery where an extensive collection of tropical plants are displayed. Both upper and lower Cuningham House share collections including Dieffenbachia, Peperomia, Hoya, Anthurium and Dracaena.

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