Club Tower - Background

The Canterbury Club is a unique and significant part of the history of Christchurch.

In fact, it is believed that Captain Robert Scott ate his last meal at the Canterbury Club before departing on his journey to the South Pole.

Established as a private gentlemen's club in 1872, the Club's buildings were erected on its present site a year later. It has remained in continuous use by the same organisation for more than 130 years.

In December 2005, Latitude Group successfully tendered by private treaty for the land which surrounds the Canterbury Club site. The sale proceeds will enable the Canterbury Club to make the essential and urgent repairs to its 133 year old building.

Canterbury Club president Rick Hill says the club's plans involve restoring the original clubhouse, repositioning the historic caretaker's cottage, and in between the two buildings, constructing new modern amenities for the club.

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The Canterbury Club has sought involvement from architectural historian and heritage adviser, Jenny May, who supports the revamp.

The Canterbury Club has 600 members and a few years ago admitted women to its hallowed ranks. It maintains many original protocols such as silver service and a black tie dress code.

The future of the Canterbury Club relied on the sale and development of the adjacent land. With so much history and the lives of many generations of Christchurch men and women woven into the historical social fabric of the club, it is much more than just an architecturally significant building.

Latitude Group’s director, Ken Wimsett, appreciates the importance of such history and says one of the highlights of his early career as a master builder, was the experience of having his construction company complete all the maintenance work on the Northern Club in Princes Street in Auckland; a club with a very similar significance and history to that of the Canterbury Club in Christchurch.

The commitment by the Canterbury Club management to update some older traditions as well as the physical environment will attract new members and ensure the survival of the Canterbury Club. This obviously requires funds and the land sale will enable the revitalisation to be completed.

The Canterbury Club president, Rick Hill, Ken Wimsett and his team of consultants, have continued to work very closely together throughout the development process to ensure an effective flow of information.

Good communication is essential to the success of this project so that all involved are aware of, and can have input, regarding the development.

"What is particularly rewarding about the Canterbury Club project is the new lease on life it will give the club and its members. This project will ensure the survival of an historically significant social club, enabling it to further grow and strengthen."

Ken Wimsett, May 2006