Last Novembers Awards Ceremony was the 46th that the Christchurch Civic Trust has acknowledged built and environmental projects in the community worthy of recognition and Acknowledging individuals, groups and organisations who have, through their initiative and enterprise, made our city a better place in which to live.
In 2025 the Civic Trust received a total of 12 nominations for consideration by the Awards sub-committee from which 5 awards and 1 commendation were selected in 3 categories. There are no nominations in category D and no Supreme award this year. Those projects awarded include: The new Court Theatre, The Theosophical Hall, The Youth Hub, Te Kuru Wetland and Rapaki Church and School restoration. The project commended is Qb Building 235 – 237 High St.
First to receive their Award was the Court Theatre Trust in recognition of the quality of building design and functionality of a new arts facility for Christchurch. The Court Theatre, founded in 1971 has gone through many moves and changes in its 54-year history to reach the high point of its present incarnation.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Court Theatre is Flore Charbonnier
The next Award recipient was The Theosophical Society Christchurch for their renewal of their building at 267 Cambridge Tce. The Civic Trust recognised the revitalisation of an inner-city heritage site with the replacement of a complimentary building whilst maintaining an existing historical usage.
Receiving the award is William Fulton, Richard Sell, Phil Roskilley and Suzanna Roskilley
Youth Hub Trust – Te Hurihanga o Rangitahi received an Award that recognises the quality of sustainable architectural design of a community facility for social and health benefit for youth. The youth Hub is to be congratulated, not only for its achievement so far, but on its plans for further development
Richard Chambers (Youth Hub Trust) for the new Youth Hub 109 Salisbury Street
The Rāpaki Rūnanga undertook a formidable task in restoring two major heritage public buildings. The Rāpaki church and school in its community. The Church was successfully repaired in 2022, but the school was a mor protracted proposition. The building needed an extensive restoration from the ground up to make it acceptable for the Rāpaki Marae Community and restoration was completed in December 2024. They were Awarded in Category B for initiative in retaining and restoring heritage character buildings for the benefit of the Rāpaki Community.
Donald Couch and Mishele Radford received their Award.
Qb Studios received a commendation for the redesign and repurposing of a city character building and retention of existing interior heritage design features. the largest purpose-built flexible workspace in the South Island. Owners Tom Harding, Alex Brennan and Mike Fisher showed great tenacity and vision to refurbish the old Hunters and Collectors heritage building in 2023 giving it it new purpose and integrating it with a purpose built structure next door. The Qb Building with an impressive, sunlit, 5 storey atrium is a intriguing melding of heritage features with modern structural aspects. It will be a valuable addition to the High Street Precinct.
Alex Brennan received his Award
In Category C (Engineering, environmental, transport and other infrastructure projects that enhance city functions in an efficient, cost effective, safe and environmentally friendly way), the Christchurch City Council is commended in recognition of their vision and enterprise in developing a sustainable ecological and recreational wetland environment in Christchurch – Te Kuru Wetland Reserve in Halswell. A great city asset for all to enjoy.
Receiving their Award were Peter Christensen, and Midhun Plakkatt Joseph (Christchurch City Council)
The Christchurch Civic Trust would like to extend congratulations to all the Awardees in 2025 and look forward to seeing this years 2026 CCT Award winners with anticipation.