The ‘‘stunning'' transformation of Dunedin's former chief post office building won the overall category at the city's Heritage Re-use Awards last night.
The passion of everyone from council staff to building owners and architects for retaining and reusing Dunedin's built heritage was recognised at the awards, held at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. The chief post office project was one of those singled out for praise.
City councillor David Benson-Pope, who was one of the judges, said the transformation of the chief post office in Princes St into Distinction Hotel and the head office of Silver Fern Farms was ‘‘stunning''.
‘‘The team has worked tirelessly to produce a magnificent building that's a credit to them and an absolute credit to our city,'' Cr Benson-Pope said.
This was especially the case given the building, which had been vacant for three decades, had been ‘‘completely gutted'' long before the project began.
The transformation retained historic features, such as balustrades and mosaic flooring, and the fit-out of the hotel was ‘‘to die for''.
Matt Sloper, who accepted the award on behalf of Opus Architecture, said he was ‘‘very fortunate'' to be involved in the project.
The team was fortunate the original construction was of such a high standard and its layout suited the creation of the hotel, Mr Sloper said.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull earlier celebrated the accelerating pace at which Dunedin's historic buildings were being revitalised.
‘‘There is now a nationally recognised wave of heritage re-use and restoration in our city,'' Mr Cull said.
Other awards: Best interior, chief post office project; earthquake strengthening award - the Standard Building, 201 Princes St. David Cox Memorial Award - Iona Presbyterian Church Restoration Trust, for the restoration of the Port Chalmers church.
