A colourful cluster of container buildings brings the buzz back to Christchurch.
Words Soraya Nicholas Photography Lisa Gane
Part of Christchurch’s central city is once again vibrant, with many residents saying downtown is now busier than ever. The container village was born out of tragedy, after many people lost their lives in last February’s tragic earthquake, but the feeling in the city is buoyant and positive.
The new pedestrian shopping precinct designed by internationally renowned architectural firm The Buchan Group has launched the central city rebuild with its brightly coloured shipping containers. Because any pop-up retail hub needed to be temporary, the containers were ideal as they were easy to modify and simple to relocate.
Christchurch Central Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale has worked tirelessly behind the scenes on the concept. “We had an amazing team working on this project, and when we set the date for the opening, we had no idea there would be another major earthquake to contend with, not to mention two substantial snowfalls. But Leighs Construction did an incredible job, and the entire project was pulled together in a very short time-frame.”
Practical and promoting contemporary eco principles, the container shops primarily house displaced local businesses that have been part of the Christchurch retail landscape for years. Away from any tall buildings and on the edge of the cordon, there is a general feeling of safety.
Johnson’s Grocers is a much-loved local store, and after losing his premises and all his stock, Colin Johnson says he was thrilled to open in the new shopping area.
“It’s so exciting for everyone to be part of this, and the response has been wonderful,” he says. “We are seeing people from all over New Zealand here, not just Christchurch, so it’s been a very positive experience for us.”
Hard-to-find goodies line the shelves of the specialist grocery store, so it’s not hard to see why it’s always so busy.
Alongside clothing outlets, two eateries and a revamped Ballantyne’s, there are also funky design stores. HAPA is a new business launched post-earthquake, supporting local and international designers and brimming with jewellery, stationery and funky knick-knacks.
Fun design and giftware store Toi Toi has plenty of Kiwi-made pieces appealing to both locals and tourists. This adds a comfortable retail balance, with the smaller stores catering to contemporary tastes, and Ballantyne’s popular for more classic and traditional homewares.
The containers have been designed and built with potential aftershocks in mind, and will remain in the former Cashel Mall as a pedestrian retail destination for at least another year.
The central retail hub has certainly fulfilled its slogan, Restart the Heart. Paul Lonsdale is optimistic about the city's future. “We have achieved even more than we expected, and businesses are trading well.”
He hopes the contemporary design and positive attitude will flow on to the major central city rebuild in the years to come.
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