Historic Quarry building reopens to the public

A slice of Christchurch history is back on public display at Halswell Quarry Park.

The Singlemen’s Quarters at Halswell Quarry Park was reopened today as a visitor and interpretation centre, after more than a year of earthquake repair and strengthening work.

There was also a celebration of restoration work on two other heritage buildings on the site, the Manager's Residence and the Crusher Building. 

Among the crowd attending the opening were former Christchurch City Councillor Norm Withers and his family, who are descendants of one of original tenants of the Singlemen's Quarters, which originally housed families and temporary workers for the Quarry. 

Christchurch City Council Regional Parks Operations Manager Kay Holder said it was a significant occasion.

Former Christchurch Councillor Norm Withers inside the restored Singlemen's Quarters.

“This park has a rich history and is a popular recreation area for Halswell residents and the surrounding districts. The community love it here and many residents play a large part in ensuring it looks the way it does,” Ms Holder said.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to celebrate the reopening of the Singlemen’s Quarters for public use again.”

Council Programme Manager Heritage Richie Moyle said the Singlemen's Quarters building was built around 1922. The Halswell Manager's Residence, a building of regional heritage significance, has marked the entrance to the Quarry since 1927, and the Crusher Building dates from 1912.

The Quarry’s distinctive blue-grey stone could be found throughout the city in many prominent buildings including the Canterbury Museum, Provincial Council Chambers and the old Sydenham Post Office. It operated for 130 years and is believed to be the oldest continually operating quarry in Australasia. 

The Singlemen’s Quarters, the Manager's Residence and the Crusher Building have been closed since the February 2011 earthquake and have all undergone significant repair and strengthening work over the past year. 

The Manager's Residence has been restored for residential use and the Crusher building will be used to store the remaining quarry plant and equipment.

Councillor Anne Galloway said the huge population growth in the Halswell area meant the Quarry Park continued to be an important gathering and recreation area for residents.

“The restoration of these heritage buildings is another sign of progress in the city. The restored Singlemen’s Quarters will once again house interpretation panels, which will give residents the chance to read more about the history of the quarry. These will be available for the first time since the February 2011 quake.”

Ms Galloway said a Halswell Heritage Group had recently been set up to reflect the importance of cultural heritage in the area.

“It’s become very clear to us during the recent consultation process that a community-led approach to heritage is important. The Halswell Heritage Group that has recently formed is a good example of what we’re hoping will happen across the city. It’s important communities take a key role in keeping heritage alive in their local areas.”