New Regent Street Christchurch

The small street on the tram route was designed in the Spanish Mission Style (Architect Francis Willis - 1932). It was one of few big construction projects in the South Island during the Great Depression period. Though this style was used in parts of Auckland it is unusual in the South Island and Christchurch celebrated it as such, with the tenants being specialist and high end retailers.
The buildings were always carefully maintained and painted in appropriate colour to enhance their character. The street's narrow width and its orientation shelter it from some of Canterbury's less friendly winds.
Many of the premises on New Regent Street were earthquake victims in 2010 and 2011 but substantial rebuilding meant New Regent Street reopened on April 20, 2013. The Street stands proud and promotes itself by integrating with the wider retail community, the Issac Theatre Royal around the corner and sometimes indulging the Spanish theme by hosting outdoor Spanish style music or dancing.

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD TOUR