Better streets & spaces  |  10 Apr 2019

An innovative new building that captures Canterbury’s distinctive braided rivers landscape is set to emerge in Christchurch's Cathedral Square.

Created by the architect behind Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral, the structure will sit on private land in the south-west corner of the Square formerly occupied by the ANZ bank building.

An artist's impression of the Braided Rivers building.

An artist's impression of the Braided Rivers building.

The Shigeru Ban-designed “Braided Rivers” building will use glued, laminated timber, known as “glulam”, and feature a northern canopy supported by tree-like columns. It has been designed to accommodate shops, cafes and restaurants.

The building needs special Christchurch City Council approval because the canopy, the columns and its foundations encroach into Cathedral Square.

A report recommending the Council approves a 35-year Deed of Licence to allow the canopy, columns and foundations to be built was considered by the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee today. The committee has recommended that the Council approves the Deed of Licence.

The Council is expected to make a decision next month.