Restart the Heart Trust were looking to create a “funky” way to kick-start the CBD’s retail sector. It has proved to be a major catalyst to re-establishing business confidence, as well as a strong sign of the resilience of the people of Christchurch and their desire for a vibrant new centre. It has also enabled people, both locals and tourists, to have a close-up view of the demolition and reconstruction of the city, by establishing a “finger” of access into the cordoned red zone.

The complex was relocated in 2014 to a prominent corner site alongside the Avon River to make way for the re-construction of permanent buildings – further fulfilling the fundamental motivations of the project.

Design Features:

• Fast-tracked programme of 3 months for detailed design, approvals and construction

• Future-proofed design of the container modifications allows for reconfiguration and further modification of the container buildings to accommodate future sites

This project received an ACE NZ Innovation Award of Excellence Merit Award in 2013.

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