ECan puts historic Christchurch theatre site on the market

Environment Canterbury has put the Odeon Theatre in central Christchurch on the market and is seeking offers for the property by December 4.

The regional council purchased the quake-damaged Tuam St building off the Crown in 2020. It paid $2.95 million at auction.

It bought the category one heritage building, along with the neighbouring Lawrie & Wilson Auctioneers building and several other nearby parcels of land.

About $8 million has been spent on the site, including the purchase price, maintenance costs and the cost to stabilise the earthquake-damaged frontage of the theatre.

The Odeon Theatre is the oldest masonry theatre in New Zealand, having been built in 1883. 

It has been listed by ECan market agent Colliers, which is seeking offers for the site by Thursday, December 4.

"Following the recent issue of a boundary adjustment resource consent, the property will now include 1616 sq m of prime land fronting both Tuam and Manchester Streets, enhancing the redevelopment potential and opening the door to a range of complementary uses (subject to new title issued)," the listing stated.

"The original white stone façade, adorned with elegant Italianate detailing, held a commanding presence on Tuam Street.

"While parts of the auditorium and fly tower were removed by CERA in 2012 due to structural concerns, the striking frontage, entryway, and staircase have been carefully retained and are currently supported by structural bracing along Tuam Street."

The historic building was used for public meetings in 1893 when Kate Sheppard led her women's suffrage campaign in Christchurch.

It has now been partly demolished and propped up.

The Lawrie and Wilson building is a category two heritage building built in 1910. It has now been restored and is being rented out as office space.

The buildings are located next to ECan's headquarters.

The partial Odeon building includes the old theatre’s ornate facade, upper and lower lobbies and staircase.

The rest of the quake-damaged building has been demolished, and the vacant land at the side and the rear on both Tuam and Manchester streets are part of the sale.

Retaining the property has cost ECan between $350,000 and $400,000 a year, including loan interest, rates, and maintenance.

This is not budgeted for in the regional council’s 2024-34 long-term plan.

"This is a once-in-a-generation chance for a visionary investor or heritage-minded developer to acquire, restore and reimagine an iconic Christchurch property," the listing stated. 

"All structural and engineering documentation is available for qualified purchasers with the expertise and ambition to return this magnificent building to its former glory."

• The property is being offered for sale by deadline private treaty, which closes at 4pm on December 4 unless sold prior. 

-Additional reporting RNZ