Peterborough Centre – 100 Years On

Nestled in the heart of Christchurch, the Peterborough Centre is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture, a building whose history is deeply intertwined with the city’s cultural and educational landscape. Originally constructed as the Christchurch Teachers’ Training College in 1930, the building has witnessed Christchurch’s evolution over the past century, from its role in education to becoming a residential hub in the late 1990s.

As we approach 100 years since the foundation stone was laid by Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education, on 8th September 1924, the Peterborough Centre stands as a symbol of resilience, change, and, perhaps most poignantly, uncertainty.

Designed by renowned architect George Penlington, the Peterborough Centre was conceived in the Gothic Revival style, reflecting the values of permanence, knowledge, and tradition. Its tall windows, pointed arches, and detailed stonework were characteristic of an architectural movement that sought to evoke the grandeur of Europe’s great institutions.

While its design was ambitious, the ground beneath it—soft and peaty—proved a challenge from the very start. Within a year of its construction, the building began to settle and crack, an early hint of the structural issues it would face over its lifetime. Yet, the Christchurch Teachers’ Training College remained an integral part of the city’s educational infrastructure, fostering generations of teachers in the heart of Christchurch.

The end of the 20th century marked a significant shift in the Peterborough Centre’s story. In 1998, the building was converted into high-end apartments under the guidance of architect Stewart Ross and developer Robert Douglas Brown. This transformation maintained the historical integrity of the structure while adapting it to meet the demands of modern living. The addition of an underground car park was a bold move, though the building’s delicate relationship with the land it sits upon continued to cause issues, particularly after Christchurch’s 2011 earthquake.

The conversion earned the project a ‘Heritage and Conservation Award’ from the New Zealand Institute of Architects, cementing its place as one of the city’s architectural treasures. However, with this new era came a reminder that even the most resilient buildings must contend with the forces of nature.

The Christchurch earthquake of February 2011 was devastating for many of the city’s heritage buildings, and the Peterborough Centre was no exception. The building sustained major damage, with the underground car park suffering significant upheaval due to liquefaction. The cost of the repairs was initially estimated at NZ$12 million, but with time, it is now expected to have increased significantly.

While it is a registered Category II heritage site the sheer cost of restoration poses a significant challenge. The alternative—demolition—is a grim possibility, but one that cannot be ruled out.

As we look back on 100 years since the foundation stone was laid, we see a building that has played a pivotal role in Christchurch’s history. From its beginnings as a training ground for the city’s teachers to its transformation into a modern residential complex, the Peterborough Centre has been a witness to—and a participant in—the ever-changing fabric of the city.

However, its future is far from certain. The high cost of restoration means that its fate hangs in the balance. Demolition, though unthinkable for many, may become the only viable option if the financial challenges prove too great.

But hope remains. The Peterborough Centre has stood the test of time, enduring natural disasters and structural challenges that would have felled lesser buildings. As Christchurch continues to rebuild and redefine itself, we hope this grand Gothic building will continue to stand tall, embodying the resilience and spirit of a city that refuses to be diminished.

With its history etched into Christchurch’s past, one can only hope that the Peterborough Centre will have as fascinating a future as it has had an illustrious past. Whether through restoration or other means, the building’s story is far from over.