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Story: Canterbury places

Christchurch Arts Centre, 2006 and 2014

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Christchurch Arts Centre, 2006 and 2014

In 2006 (left) the Christchurch Arts Centre occupied the Gothic stone buildings that housed the University of Canterbury before its move to Ilam in the 1970s. The centre had become a major tourist attraction, with shops, galleries, theatres, cinemas, bars, cafés and a weekend craft and produce market. The buildings were badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquake and the activities on site ceased. However, the community was committed to reviving the Arts Centre, and in 2014 (right) the centre was heavily involved in raising funds and restoring some of the buildings.

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, Canterbury places – Central Christchurch, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10217/christchurch-arts-centre-2006-and-2014 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 2 March 2009, updated 17 August 2015.