Westpac Canterbury Centre: History and Visiting Information
What the place is
The Westpac Canterbury Centre was a 14-storey, 55-metre tower at 166 Cashel Street in Christchurch, New Zealand. Completed in 1983, it was designed by Warren and Mahoney for the Canterbury Savings Bank, later Trust Bank and Westpac. With rounded concrete pillars, a sharply pointed triangular roof and an elongated hexagonal footprint, it became a financial hub and a feature of Christchurch’s skyline (Westpac Canterbury Centre: History, Architecture, and Visiting Information in Christchurch).
The tower was irreparably damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes and demolished in 2012. Its former site is now part of The Crossing retail and office precinct, which includes ASB House. The guide also covers the Westpac Canterbury Centre Arena in Addington.
History
Development and design
Commissioned in the early 1980s for the Canterbury Savings Bank, the Centre occupied a prominent position in Christchurch’s business district. It was constructed by C.S. Luney LTD for around $6.4 million NZD (Westpac Canterbury Centre - Wikipedia).
Its design featured rounded concrete pillars anchoring each corner, a triangular roof and a hexagonal footprint. The ground floor originally housed a retail arcade, later converted to a Westpac branch, alongside the tower’s office spaces. The Centre became a city landmark and symbol of Christchurch’s economic growth, commercial activity and architectural innovation.
Earthquake damage and demolition
The building sustained significant damage in the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, including shattered windows and structural cracks, and was closed. The February 2011 earthquake further compromised the structure. It was placed inside Christchurch’s “red zone” because of collapse risk, and engineering assessments deemed it irreparable, primarily due to failing reinforced concrete columns (Westpac Canterbury Centre - Wikipedia).
Demolition began in 2012 using advanced machinery, including the German-made “Goliath” excavator. The building posed a major safety risk and was not economically viable to restore. Its removal formed part of the broader transformation of Christchurch’s central business district (Visiting the Former Westpac Canterbury Centre Site: Hours, History & Christchurch Urban Renewal).
What to see
The former site is now part of The Crossing, a precinct of shops, eateries, open-air spaces, retail and office spaces. Interpretive signage and memorials provide historical context about the tower and the earthquakes. Visitors can also see street art and public installations.
ASB House is a modern office building and is not open for public tours. Nearby places to explore include the Avon River Precinct and New Regent Street (NZ Pocket Guide).
Practical visiting information
Former tower site and The Crossing
The former Westpac Canterbury Centre stood at the corner of High Street and Cashel Street (GPS: -43.53324, 172.63807). The area is now part of The Crossing precinct, featuring ASB House and a mix of retail and office spaces (AroundUs, Wikipedia).
The original building no longer exists, so there are no entry fees or set visiting hours for it. The Crossing is open to the public during retail hours, with no entry fee. The site is described as open during standard business hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
The precinct has accessible walkways and nearby parking. It is described as fully accessible, with ramps, wide pavements and accessible facilities.
The redevelopment is part of Christchurch’s Central Recovery Plan, which emphasizes resilient construction, public spaces, retail revitalization and residential growth (Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, Architectus East Frame).
Westpac Canterbury Centre Arena in Addington
The Westpac Canterbury Centre Arena in Addington is a multi-purpose venue that hosts major concerts, sporting events, exhibitions and community festivals (Visiting the Westpac Canterbury Centre: Hours, Tickets, and What to See in Christchurch).
- Visiting hours Open daily from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, with extended hours for special events.
- Tickets Event tickets are available online through official ticketing platforms linked on the arena’s website. Early booking is recommended for popular events; group and VIP options are available.
- Tours and events Occasional guided tours offer behind-the-scenes access and insights into the arena’s architecture and operations. Community events and festivals are held regularly; check current listings for details.
- Location and access The arena is on Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, about 15 minutes from the city centre by bus. It has ample on-site parking, including accessible spaces, and is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators and designated seating.
- Venue features The surrounding precinct has cafés and boutique shops. The venue and nearby street art are photographic subjects.
- Role The arena attracts locals and tourists, supports local businesses and employment, and contributes to Christchurch’s event economy. It played a role in the city’s post-quake recovery and is described as a symbol of hope and community cohesion.
Tips
Christchurch’s city centre is walkable and well-served by public transport. Guided walking tours are available, and many include the former Westpac Canterbury Centre site and other earthquake-recovery landmarks, although there are no dedicated tours for the site.
Spring and autumn are described as ideal seasons to visit for mild weather and fewer crowds (Best Time to Visit Christchurch). The Crossing precinct supports visitors with mobility needs.
For current events and accessibility updates, check ChristchurchNZ Tourism and the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. The i-SITE can also provide maps, event information and tour bookings (i-SITE Visitor Information Centre).
The Crossing’s modern architecture, surrounding murals and the Avon River Precinct are photo opportunities. Historic images and demolition photographs are available through DigitalNZ; current site photos and maps can be accessed through local tourism websites.
For interactive tours and the latest event updates, download the Audiala app. Local visitor centres can provide maps, guided tour information and cultural event listings.
Nearby places
- Christchurch Cathedral An iconic heritage site a short walk away.
- Canterbury Museum Features the region’s natural and cultural history.
- Botanic Gardens An expansive green space adjacent to the museum.
- Riverside Market A nearby food and craft market.
- Tūranga Library A modern central library with exhibitions on Christchurch’s urban renewal.
- Christchurch Art Gallery Shows local and international art, often with themes relating to earthquake recovery.
- Avon River Precinct and New Regent Street Nearby historical and cultural attractions (NZ Pocket Guide).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the original Westpac Canterbury Centre building?
No. It was demolished in 2012. Visitors can explore the former site and learn about the building’s history through interpretive signage and public tours.
Is The Crossing open to the public?
Yes. The precinct is open daily during retail hours, with no entry fee.
Are there guided tours covering the site’s history?
There are no dedicated tours for the Westpac Canterbury Centre site, but many city walking tours include it and other earthquake-recovery landmarks.
Is the area accessible?
The precinct is designed for accessibility, with ramps, wide pavements, accessible walkways and facilities.
What are the best photo opportunities?
The Crossing’s modern architecture, surrounding murals and the Avon River Precinct.
