The eyesore shipping containers that have been propping up the facade of the former Odeon Theatre for more than a decade have finally been removed.
The auditorium and rear section of the Odeon Theatre was demolished in 2015 due to safety concerns.
Their removal from the front of the Tuam St building will allow temporary structural strengthening work to begin.
The 19th century Italianate-style building opened in 1883, and is the oldest masonry theatre in New Zealand.
It was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquakes, with Environment Canterbury buying the category 1 heritage building in 2020, on an 'as is, where is’ basis.
Environment Canterbury called for public feedback last year on what they would like to see the historic building used for. Photo: Geoff Sloan
ECan called for public feedback last year, on what should happen to the historic building, but a decision on its future is yet to be made.
Repairs to the road and surrounding footpaths are expected to be completed by March, allowing the path and second traffic lane in Tuam St to re-open.
- By Geoff Sloan, Made with the support of NZ On Air
