Building The Bank Back Better
The Restored BNZ Bank in Kaiapoi
The old brick BNZ building has finally come back to life in Kaiapoi. The project has taken roughly two years to complete and has been a real challenge according to Kaiapoi developer Jedd Pearce.
words: Pattie Pegler images: Karen Casey
“Most people don’t want to do restorations as you end up spending more than it’s worth,” says Jedd. But whilst it may not be a money maker, preserving such a building creates an important and positive legacy – one that really matters to the North Canterbury community.
“I wanted to do something for Kaiapoi, to help out the town,” says Jedd, whose family have lived in the area for three generations.
But he is quick to point out this was never a one man show. Local business Hazeldine Construction did all the building work. Paper Plus took on the lease, a local interior designer, Katy Husband from Feather & Oak Interiors, finished the apartments on the upper levels.
It’s a thought echoed by Jasmine Hazeldine. “At the opening we were talking to people about what has gone in Kaiapoi, and buildings that our kids will never see. This restoration has been a real team effort and I’m so proud for Kaiapoi.”
The BNZ building was originally built in 1883 and incorporated both the bank and accommodation for the bank manager. Designed by architect Thomas Lambert, who had a reputation for being “sensible and economical” in his work, the building and its fence, are listed with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
In the 2011 earthquake the building was severely damaged and was bought by North Canterbury businessman John Shivas in 2015, his intention was to save it from demolition. He commenced restoration and strengthening work on it, but sadly passed away before he was able to complete it and the building was then sold.
There were plenty of challenges in the restoration including surprises. Like the three internal ceilings that Jedd says may have been intended to try and make the downstairs room warmer.
“We were lucky too,” says Jedd. “As local builders Hazeldine came on board and did the work at cost for us.”
To strengthen the building the Hazeldine team drilled eight metres down through the brick walls to the foundation, inserted threaded rod and anchored this to the foundation. The interior was gutted to install a steel structure at midfloor level and diaphragm midfloor was created. A steel angle was then installed to the second storey ceiling line to form a diaphragm ceiling.
The fireplaces were removed, restored and reinstated. The windows were removed, reglazed, new sash weights were put on them and they were reinstalled. And after looking at old photos the team realised the building had had three chimneys on the roof – so they rebuilt them.
A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
With the work completed dedicated bookman, Jared Raines, moved his Paper Plus store into the ground floor premises. “Two and half years ago I was having a beer with Jedd and we were both keen to save the building. I committed to it then really.”
Now the premises are the perfect fit.“I wanted to create a space for people. People sit in the bay window, they have conversations with complete strangers. This space almost creates an emotional feeling,” he says. And customers agree, their feedback has been very positive.
Meanwhile upstairs two apartments, with high-quality interiors, will be rented out as short-term holiday accommodation.
The BNZ Building is now open for business again – a sign of Kaiapoi’s history and its strong community vibe.
