Fate of historic quake-damaged building hangs

The Mona Vale homestead. Photo / File / Geoff Sloan

The fate of Christchurch's historic earthquake-damaged Mona Vale homestead will not be decided until next year, upsetting residents and a business owner.

Mona Vale was badly damaged in the February 22, 2011, earthquake and no repair work has been done.

The homestead was a big attraction for tourists and was used for wedding and business functions.

Continental company director Joan Ward operated the homestead before the February 2011 earthquake. Continental still leases the lawns and Ms Ward is waiting for the repairs to get started.

She said the company had been asking the council for an update every month but the issue had been put aside.

"We know it can be repaired, but we understand it's well down the list. It's not a priority for the city. We're not happy at all. We don't have any say in the matter."

Ward said she understood the house had not been repaired because of insurance issues.

"Mona Vale is an important place for Christchurch. It used to be the jewel in the crown - the house portrayed what Christchurch was all about," she said.

"The house looks quite sad now. Even the ducks aren't there anymore."

Mona Vale received significant support from Christchurch residents in 1969 when there were plans to demolish it to turn its ground into high-end residential sections. Residents raised funds to help Christchurch City Council buy the property.

More than 40 years later, residents wonder why the city council is letting the house decay.

Fendalton resident Rex Johnstone said Mona Vale's repairs should be a priority for Christchurch.

"It's surprising that they brought back the Curator's house but nothing was spent on Mona Vale which a lot more people would use."

He said the heritage house used to be a "lovely setting" for marriages, parties and business functions, and there was a shortage of such places in Christchurch.

"It's a big loss for the city," he said.

Council spokeswoman Jocelyn Ritchie said staff were working through designs solutions for the repair and conservation of Mona Vale and would report back to council early next year to seek approval to proceed with repairs.