Talkin’ about regeneration

Christchurch’s centre is a decent place for tourists more so than the deeply confused centre of Auckland.

- Russell Brown

Te Pae, Christ­church’s controversial convention centre, looks like a whale with a wave running through it, its head lifting hopefully towards the Avon. But the back of the building is showing its arse to Colombo St. It feels like an insult, this wall of dark glass, this loading bay here. It seems a conscious decision on someone’s part to dispense with vigour and diversity in favour of institu­ tional space.

Which would be one thing if the institution was open. But today, an overcast Thursday afternoon, Te Pae is not open. From the tail to the head, successive sets of doors direct would­ be visitors onwards towards the main entrance, which is locked without expla­nation. Few people are around.

Devoting this much ground, this particular aspect on the Avon, to a building with no day­to­day function seems a questionable decision. Perhaps I’m being unfair: Te Pae’s website hails its 24 meet­ing spaces, auditorium and 1000­seater banquet room. But when this place is closed, it’s really closed.