Heritage

Government Buildings

cover imageThe architectural heritage of Christchurch. 5

Published: Christchurch City Council, Town Planning Division, 1986.

The Government Buildings at 28-30 Cathedral Square were designed in 1909 to accommodate many of the Government Departments in Christchurch. It has served that role for seventy years yet shows little evidence of change to its external appearance, and internally it retains many of its generous and spacious rooms. It is those spaces which help to make the building distinctive - few public buildings today are so well provided for and its classical ornamentation is rare within the City.

It has been acknowledged that the Government Buildings form part of an important precinct of historic buildings comprising the Anglican Cathedral, Warners Hotel, the Press Building, State Insurance Building and State Trinity Centre.

Contents

  • Plans for the Government Buildings
  • The landowner (Thomas Rowley)
  • The Architect (J. C. Maddison)
  • The builder (J and W Jamieson)
  • Laying the foundation stone
  • Construction
  • The building
  • The style of the Government Buildings

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