The once forgotten CBD area spanning Cambridge Terrace and Hagley Park will now be known as West End.
Business and tenant representatives in the neighbourhood have collaborated to create a name and identity for the area, which following the earthquakes, has become the city’s leading precinct with its eclectic mix of professional services, arts and hospitality.
The name West End has historical significance. From the 1850s to the 1950s, the area was known as West End and it was also Christchurch’s first official suburb.
A group of three property owners – Ngāi Tahu Property, Canterbury Property Investments and Armitage Williams - initially discussed the notion informally and from there the idea grew. Workshops followed focusing on creating the precinct and that’s where the name West End was rediscovered.
They say that giving the area a name and brand will add value by creating a sense of pride and making it easily recognisable as one of the best locations in the city and an important part of the CBD.
“West End will be identified for its strengths and unique offerings; high quality office and residential accommodation along with the sense of completion,” according to Ngāi Tahu Property development manager Gordon Craig.
With a number of large established professional organisations choosing to rebuild in the West End, the area is well on its way to being considered the city’s new central business district. “Being able to refer to buildings and businesses as being in the West End will further solidify the progress this part of the city has made since the 2011 February earthquake,” Craig says.
“We have created something new, but with an eye to our heritage. The name West End has some real prominence historically and it’s great to have a hand in its return.”
Jenny Harper, director of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu: “I’m pleased with this initiative, which has grown from small beginnings, prompted by people involved in arts and business in this area. While West End is certainly part of central Christchurch, it has its own identity - a rich and regenerating area with its own sense of history.”
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, along with key tenants in the area, has voiced her support for West End.
"I’ve lived in this area twice, including in the West Avon building, a fantastic landmark building. This truly is the West End and is a fantastic way of describing what is also the cultural heart of our city, with the Museum and Art Gallery also nearby."
Branding is expected to be displayed on building frontages and street signage.
West End is also building a social media presence to encourage people to work and play in the West End.
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