One of Christchurch’s most distinctive mid-century commercial buildings, neglected for years following the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes, is being revitalised and upgraded into contemporary, sustainable, character office space.
The New Zealand Refrigeration Company (NZR Co.) Building at 159 Hereford Street, was completed in 1963.
The modernist building was the first in Christchurch to feature curtain-wall glazing, a leading-edge architectural feature which was emerging in commercial construction globally at the time.
Mitchell Wallace, associate director of office leasing at CBRE, is now offering office space for lease in the seven-storey, 3,500 sq m building.
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The transformation project by Caleb Ballin & Dean Marshall, the pair behind the successful refurbishment of The Imperial at 79 Lichfield Street, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
It offers businesses the chance to occupy unique office space that is in a class of its own, Wallace said.
“Christchurch has very few surviving genuine mid-century modern commercial buildings, so for tenants looking for CBD space with real wow factor, this is an excellent opportunity to occupy fully refurbished offices in a prime location just off Cathedral Square.”
The renovation will turn what has become a derelict eyesore into a beautiful example of modernist architecture that positively contributes to the surrounding streetscape, proudly taking its rightful place once again as part of the architectural story of our central city, he said.
“Positioned among older heritage structures such as the Old Government Building on Cathedral Square and contemporary architecture including the Spark Building, the NZR Co. Building will regain its rightful place as a stunning example of mid-century design that is quite unique in the Christchurch CBD.”
Key features of the building include the retention and restoration of the mosaic spandrel tiles that are repeated horizontally across the building’s facades.
This distinctive feature is one of the building’s most identifiable architectural details, placing it firmly in the modernist age.
The interiors will be sensitively refurbished into modern office space, providing high-performing, sustainable and comfortable working environments, Wallace said.
“Prospective tenants will love the light-flooded interiors, with carefully-restored original features which highlight the unique charm of the building’s mid-century heritage.”
Various options are available, offering single floor plates of 493 sq m as well as half floor or larger multi-floor tenancies.
The 247 sq m penthouse level is also offered for lease, featuring a roof terrace with stunning views across the city.
Contemporary end-of-trip facilities including bike parks with e-bike chargers, locker rooms and shower facilities will also be provided.
Base build upgrades include seismic strengthening to 100% of new building standard, new high-performance low-emission glazing, energy-efficient HVAC systems and new lifts, with the owners targeting a five-star carbon accreditation on completion.
“The landlords take pride in their commitment to sustainability, which has been a focus right from the start of this project.
"Through actively managing embodied carbon during the refurbishment, 4,800 tonnes worth of CO2 emissions have been avoided so far - the equivalent of 2,200 fewer cars on our roads for a year,” said Wallace.
Caleb Ballin and Dean Marshall, the building’s co-owners, said they are excited to add another building into Christchurch’s post-earthquake recovery story, contributing to the rebuilt city’s positive reputation globally.
“We are delighted to now be in full swing on site.
"I’m excited that we are now close to unveiling the existing and new design features of this unique building.
'There will be a special soul and feel with this modernist building that you just won’t get with a new space,” said Ballin.
The building is positioned on one of the key routes linking the Ōtākaro Avon River and The Terrace hospitality precinct with the East Frame housing developments, Rauora Park and the upcoming Te Kaha stadium.
The opening of the stadium and the completion of more high-density housing along Manchester Street are expected to be a strong catalyst for more development and refurbishment in the area surrounding the NZR Co. Building, with Hereford Street becoming more activated and pedestrian-friendly, said Wallace.
“The refurbishment of the NZR Co. Building is a key project that will help kick-start the improvement of this stretch of Hereford Street, as key post-earthquake anchor projects including the stadium and East Frame housing near completion.”
- Supplied by CBRE
