Library Chambers

The building on the corner of Hereford Street and Cambridge Terrace, now known as Library Chambers, was the home of the Canterbury Public Library for over one hundred years, until 1981. The original part of the building, a finely detailed rectangular structure in the Venetian Gothic style, was designed by a leading provincial architect, W B Armson, and opened in 1875. Significant additions to the original building were completed in 1901 and again in 1924, both designed by the Christchurch architectural firm of Collins and Harman. The detached former Librarian's house is one of the few brick townhouses of the 1890s to survive in the inner city and complements the main building.

At one stage threatened with demolition, the building and house have been extensively renovated externally and converted internally for commercial use. The architect, D E Donnithorne, has done much to preserve the original atmosphere by retaining the interior panelling and woodwork where possible or by matching it sympathetically where demolition was unavoidable.

The resulting high standard of accommodation is an interesting example of how an historic building which has outlived its original purpose can be converted to practical commercial use, while continuing to form part of the architecturally distinguished precinct along the banks of the Avon River which form the western boundary of the inner City.

More information:

• New Zealand Historic Places Trust

Related pages

• Canterbury Public Library to 1982

Sources

This was originally derived from the Christchurch City Council handbook of 1998.