The Sydenham Rugby League clubrooms in Colombo Street.
The Sydenham Rugby League clubrooms in Colombo Street.
The well-known Sydenham Rugby League clubrooms, opposite The Colombo shopping centre in Christchurch, are to be converted into a church.
Marketed 'as is where is,' the clubrooms have been bought by The Well Church in Sydenham which currently holds Sunday services at Beckenham School.
Courtney Doig, an investment sales specialist,with Colliers International, says there have been several church and community groups looking to relocate since the earthquakes.
"The church is delighted to have found central premises that will provide room for growth and flexibility of use," he says.
Church representative Andy Yeo says work would start as soon as possible and he hoped the refurbished premises would be ready by February 2016 for the church's third anniversary. The Well is the first South Island church planted by the New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Church, a national church denomination consisting of 23 member churches.
"We're planning to retain the existing building, repair, strengthen and re-fit to use as a church with attendant administration and ministry spaces," Yeo.
The church also has an office and ministry centre at 330 Colombo St, just across Brougham St from the clubhouse.
The clubrooms were built in the 1960s but were damaged in the earthquakes and the Sydenham Rugby League Club now shares premises with the nearby Sydenham Bowling Club. The 700 sq m building consists of a main hall, a supper and committee room, a mezzanine floor, kitchen and car parking.
