Christchurch to lose heritage building

An aerial photograph clearly shows the damage to the MLC building following the September 4 earthquake. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Christchurch is losing an iconic heritage building.

City Councillors gave consent for the demolition of Manchester Courts - also known as the MLC Building and the former NZ Express Co building - after an emotional debate this morning.

The seven-storey category 1 Historic Places Trust-listed building was built in 1905 to 1906. It was badly damaged in the massive September 4 earthquake and engineers reports state the building is beyond repair.

Councillors debated the impact on surrounding businesses and also explored the idea of saving the two lower floors, but the idea wasn't practical.

Christchurch Civic Trust deputy chairman Neil Roberts said he was hugely disappointed with the decision

"There is a social issue, I realise that. There are people with lives disrupted and there's businesses closed and all kinds of things, but there are two issues here. There's that issue, but there's also a heritage issue."

Co-owner Richard Peebles says it's a shame as it's a beautiful building, but he is pleased the decision has finally been made.

Demolition could start in 10 days and take just six weeks.

- NEWSTALK ZB