Like many Christchurch dwellers, I’m finding it hard to comprehend the scale of what we are facing in the weeks to come. This afternoon’s shock is the demolition of the New Zealand Express Company Limited building, a really beautiful building on Manchester Street that I have always admired but until today never knew the history of. Now that I have learnt some of its history, its demise is even more distressing.
“New Zealand Express Company Limited, a furniture despatch business, had formerly occupied a small office in Bedford Row. When this seven-storey building was erected it became an indication of the prosperity and growth in the business community in Christchurch. Designed by the Luttrell Brothers, the building was the tallest in New Zealand at the time.”
- Christchurch City Libraries, http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/
I’m not ashamed to say this brought tears to my eyes – I hope that once Christchurch has recovered from the initial shock of Saturday’s earthquake, we can recapture the hope and pride that creates a building like this, beautiful and symbolic of success.
Tags: Christchurch, earthquake
