Our City, Christchurch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our City O-Tautahi |
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Our City in 2007
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| Former names | Civic offices |
| General information | |
| Type | Former civic offices |
| Location | Christchurch Central City |
| Address | 159 Oxford Terrace |
| Town or city | Christchurch |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 43°31′51″S 172°38′01″E / 43.5308°S 172.6336°E |
| Construction started | 1886 |
| Inaugurated | 24 March 1887 |
| Client | Christchurch City Council |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | two |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Samuel Hurst Seager |
| Reference #: | 1844 |
Our City, also known as Our City O-Tautahi, is a beautiful old building in the heart of Christchurch Central City, New Zealand. It's built in a special style called Queen Anne style. This building is so important that it's listed as a Category I heritage building by Heritage New Zealand, meaning it's one of the most important historical places in the country.
For many years, from 1887 to 1924, this building was the main office for the Christchurch City Council. This is where important decisions about the city were made! After that, it was used by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and even served as the main place for tourists to get information. More recently, it became a popular spot for exhibitions and events. Sadly, the building was damaged during the Christchurch earthquakes.
Contents
History of Our City
When the City Council Started
The Christchurch Municipal Council first met in 1862. Later that same year, it officially became the Christchurch City Council. At first, the council used the city's very first public building, called the Christchurch Land Office. This building was built in 1851 right by the Avon River. It was a busy place, used for many different public activities.
By 1879, the council had grown a lot and simply didn't have enough space in the Land Office anymore. They decided to hold a competition to find a design for new city offices and a large town hall. However, all the designs they received were too expensive, so the plan was put on hold.
Building the New Offices
In 1885, a new competition was held, this time just for the city offices. The building was planned for the same spot as the old Land Office. A young and not-so-experienced architect named Samuel Hurst Seager won the competition. His design was in the Queen Anne style, which was very new and different for New Zealand at the time. This caused some debate!
Construction started in 1886. Some people worried the building wasn't strong enough. So, three experts – two architects and an engineer – checked the design and the building. They found it was safe, but suggested making the roof even stronger. The building was finished on March 24, 1887. The council held its first meeting in their new offices on April 4, 1887. On the outside of the building, you can see two cool sculptures by an artist named George Frampton. They represent 'Industry' (hard work) and 'Concord' (agreement).
Moving to New Homes
By 1919, the council offices were too small again. They tried to get permission to build an extension, but people didn't want public gardens to be used for that. So, the council bought another building in 1920. Construction started in 1922, and their new offices, called the Civic, opened on September 1, 1924. In 2010, the council moved to yet another office. The Queen Anne style building we're talking about is special because it's the only one that was built just for the Christchurch City Council.
Other Uses of the Building
After the council moved out, the building was leased to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce until 1987. The Chamber of Commerce helps local businesses. Part of the building was also used as the main tourist information center for Christchurch until 2000.
In July 2002, the council took over the building again. They opened it as a place for exhibitions, events, and meetings for everyone in the community. This is when it got its current name, Our City O-Tautahi. It became a popular place for both locals and visitors.
Earthquake Damage
Our City was unfortunately damaged during the 2010 Canterbury earthquake. It had to be closed, and large supports were put around it to keep it safe. The building is insured, but the cost to fix it is very high.
Images for kids
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Our City in 2007
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The Christchurch Land Office (foreground) in 1860
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Civic offices in 1890
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'Industry' sculpture by George Frampton
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'Concord' sculpture by George Frampton
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Our City with heavy bracing following the 2010 Canterbury earthquake in March 2011
