We’re talking about repurposed buildings – buildings that started their life for one purpose and then along the way, were transformed and given a new life, with a new purpose. Buildings that get re-used and, in that way, avoid wholesale demolition and the dumping of often quite re-usable materials.

John Craig, Senior Project Manager

John Craig, Senior Project Manager at Joseph’s has been at the helm of such a project in Christchurch for some time. Following the earthquakes, one of the city’s larger congregations found themselves without a church. While formal works began on a long-term solution, Joseph’s worked with the client to repurpose an existing engineering workshop for short-mid-term use.

For John, repurposing buildings can have many benefits. Sustainability is often seen as a great outcome though it may be a smaller consideration upfront. Other benefits such as retaining the existing flavour and ambience of older buildings or the integrity of surrounding streetscapes are others.

Like any project however, repurposing a building isn’t without challenge.

Design can sometimes be constrained or compromised by the existing footprint and older buildings may contain some materials, that try as we might to avoid removal, need to be removed due to being environmentally damaging or hazardous (e.g. asbestos). Cost too can be a factor as depending on the age and condition of the original sub-structure, a repurposed building may need alterations to strengthen, or add features for acoustic, ventilation or heat control.

The challenges with repurposed buildings are different to those of a new build and John advises anyone considering repurposing to consider both the pros and the cons.

We love these passion-led projects though. Much like restoring older cars – another passion of John’s – repurposed buildings can also preserve heritage and stories for future generations. Perhaps that’s the purpose of repurposed buildings?

The Majestic on Durham; the eventual plan is to redevelop and refurbish 17 existing buildings.

St Mary’s Church is an authentic example of English Gothic revival and one of a few of such buildings in the Southern Hemisphere built of basalt rock, dressed with Oamaru stone and roofed in Welsh slate.

Church Property Trust (CPT) has engaged Timaru Construction Ltd to attend to structural strengthening works that will ensure this “Historic Building and Living Church” can take care of herself during future earthquakes.

Holmes Structural Engineers are attending to the structural details and Architects DLA are managing the process under CPT’s Project Manager- David Price’s care. Joseph and Associates have been appointed to provide Cost Control through appropriate Quantity Surveying Services to keep budgets in check.

Our Quantity Surveying team was fortunate to undertake a site visit to view the progress to date and this is when you get to understand how special the place is when walking through the site and also whilst popping into the adjoining Parish Hall. We were welcomed with a cup of tea and friendly conversation by the folks on duty as this is where the temporary church and related activities are being held during the construction time.

So whilst the historical foundation stone was laid in 1880, it is inspirational to meet the people in 2018 who are making it a living church.

Joseph and Associates are proud to be part of the process, with the keepers, that will result in St Mary’s being around for generations to come.