The Christchurch Town Hall was named winner of the 2021 John Scott Award for Public Architecture at this year’s New Zealand Architecture Awards. The judges said Warren and Mahoney have breathed new life into this magnificent building, demonstrating leadership, sensitivity and intelligence.

Jury citation

“The terms ‘world class’, ‘iconic’ and ‘beloved’ are often overused but, in this instance, they are truly apt. Tossed towards the Avon River by the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, this magnificent building sat awaiting almost certain demolition until the Christchurch City Council’s brave and visionary decision to restore and upgrade the entire complex – to include a substantial annex for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, as well as improved accessibility, occupant safety, flexibility and upgraded technology. This ambitious project, guided wholly by the principle of ‘do as little as possible but as much as necessary’ has seen a small army of architects, engineers and contractors working closely together in the most trying conditions. The architects have shown leadership, sensitivity and intelligence in bringing this building back to life with the finest level of care and detail – slavish in some areas and bold in others – breathing new joy into this important building. Built around one of the country’s best rooms, the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium (also known as the ‘living room of Christchurch’), this town hall complex is now perhaps better than it ever was, and stands as testament to the power of architecture and the importance of culture.”

Warren and Mahoney project description

Originally completed in 1972 and designed by Warren and Mahoney, the Christchurch Town Hall, often described as the city’s ‘living room’, has served as a gathering place for performances, cultural events and meetings for 50 years. A much-loved and well-patronised building, the Town Hall has been rebuilt and refurbished following the 2011 earthquake with the finest level of care and detail.