Historic Places Canterbury Media Release (14:02:2021): 
 Unveiling Of Christchurch's First Heritage Blue Plaque.

Historic Places Canterbury is pleased to announce that Dame Anna Crighton will be unveiling Christchurch's first Heritage Blue Plaque. 

The Arts “Shop” in the Heritage Duncans Building.
DATE: Monday 15th February
TIME: 1pm
LOCATION: Ground Floor 139 High Street, Christchurch.

Dame Anna Crighton:
" The unveiling of this Heritage Blue Plaque is a well deserved celebration and recognition of the efforts of Nicky and Joe in the restoration of their heritage listed building. 

" I admire greatly, the sheer dogged determination of Nicky and Joe for their achievement despite the vagaries of CERA and other restrictions.

" The Heritage Blue Plaque is a great way to celebrate and boost the profile of our built Heritage. I encourage Heritage Building Owners to consider it for their own buildings.

Nicky Arts Co-Owner:
" The Heritage Blue Plaque is the final chapter of the recovery from the Earthquake.

" We can now put behind the frustrations of CERA et al and celebrate.

" As a commercial building owner, I can state the Heritage Blue Plaque is a great way to enhance the profile of your heritage building.

Mark Gerrard Chair Historic Places Canterbury:
"This Heritage Blue Plaque will be the first of many that celebrate our city's heritage buildings and enhance their profile.

"Christchurch is now be part of the national project celebrating and raising the profile of built heritage throughout New Zealand.

Media Contact: 

Mark Gerrard mobile 021 157 5043 e: canty@historicplacesaotearoa.org.nz

Background: 
The Arts Family and their Historic Duncans Building “Shop”.
Pre-quake: Nicky Arts and brother Joe ran a family printing business in the Duncan's Building shop they owned.
Since the earthquake they have wound down the Printing Business and sold off the equipment.
After much effort, their heritage Duncan's building “shop” is now restored, earthquake strengthened and tenanted upstairs and downstairs.

The Heritage Blue Plaque project:
The Heritage Blue Plaque project was initiated by Historic Place Mid-Canterbury, It was endorsed as a national campaign by Historic Places Aotearoa and its Membership Organisations.
The Function of the distinctive plaques is for heritage buildings to be easily identified when travelling in a city or town. The Plaques individually and collectively raise the profile our Heritage Buildings.
The Heritage Blue Plaque project is grassroots community lead. Local heritage groups have final approval and funding is sourced locally by fundraising or building owner contribution.