Renewed rotunda to bring Christchurch history back to life

An artist's impression of what the restored rotunda will look like (Supplied)
An artist's impression of what the restored rotunda will look like (Supplied)

An old-world charm will get a one-and-a-half million dollar fix and return to Christchurch city.

The iconic Thomas Edmonds rotunda will be rebuilt at its riverside location, using the original dome roof that is currently being preserved on its historic Avon River site.

Retractable windows will be added to the rotunda so audiences can enjoy performances inside it when the weather is unsuitable.

Mr Edmonds contributed significantly to the architectual history of Christchurch after the founding of the Edmonds Factory and Gardens on Ferry Road.

The original rotunda was built in 1929 when businessman Thomas John Edmond celebrated his 50 years of business in Christchurch by embarking on philanthropic building projects.

They included the Theosophical Society building on Cambridge Terrace, the Radiant Hall on Kilmore Street, a clock tower and telephone cabinet on Oxford Terrace and 16 lighting standards along Cambridge Terrace.

At the time it was built, outdoor brass bands were a popular form of entertainment in Christchurch and Mr Edmonds, a supporter of the Woolston Brass Band, donated the band rotunda to coincide with his own jubilee celebrations.

It will cost around $1.5 million and is expected to get underway in 2018.

Edmonds' factory was demolished amid controversy in 1990, but his remaining legacy to Christchurch has otherwise survived.

Newshub.