126 | COMMUNITY The River Ōpāwaho Church Whatever your style of home or your budget, from extensive luxury homes to something more modest, we bring the same high quality workmanship and professionalism to every project. Preconstruction Planning | Construction | Management Proudly Supporting The River Opawaho Church Richard North 021 728 453 richard@northconstruction.co.nz northconstruction.co.nz Character retained at new centre The project marks the culmination of an eight-year journey. T T Kelly Deeks The River Ōpāwaho is entering an exciting new chapter as it prepares to return to its Colombo Street home, with a major redevelopment set for completion by the end of 2026 that will provide a modern church, restored heritage buildings, and a community hub designed to serve the neighbourhood for decades to come. The project marks the culmination of an eight-year journey that has seen the Christchurch congregation raise about $1.4 million, carefully restore significant heritage features, and create a site that reflects both its history and its vision for the future. Senior pastor, Amy Page-Whiting, says the redevelopment became necessary after the church outgrew its original facilities. “The old church had served us well, but it simply wasn’t fit for purpose anymore. We moved out in 2018 knowing we needed larger, multipurpose spaces that better reflected who we are, and would serve our wider community,” Amy says. She says the church remained committed to preserving the site’s character wherever possible. Original tongue-and-groove panelling, rimu timber, and other heritage features have been carefully incorporated into the redevelopment, while the original footprint has largely been retained to honour the history of the site. The former villa at 30 Colombo St has been transformed into offices, children’s spaces, meeting rooms, a playground, and a community hall, creating flexible facilities that can be used throughout the week. Amy says accessibility and community use have been central to every decision. “We’re not just building a church for Sundays. We’re creating a place that welcomes the wider community and provides spaces for people to gather.” The River Ōpāwaho has long hosted community organisations, including Alcoholics Anonymous, support groups, clubs, and neighbourhood activities. The church also runs regular environmental restoration projects along the nearby Ōpāwaho River and maintains a community garden. “We want this to be a place where people connect, support one another, and positively contribute to the wellbeing of the community,” says Amy. Funding has come from years of generous giving by church members and the sale of a neighbouring property purchased before the Canterbury earthquakes. Amy says that support has enabled the church to invest in facilities that will benefit future generations. She credits Threefold Architecture with taking time to understand the church’s vision and values before developing a design that balances heritage with modern functionality. She also praises project manager, Build Team, and main contractor, North Construction, for their collaborative approach throughout the build. “They’ve worked alongside us rather than simply for us. They’ve found practical solutions, suggested cost-saving ideas, and helped us recycle materials. Their powerful combination of experience has saved us thousands of dollars.” When complete, the redeveloped site will accommodate a growing congregation of about 200 members while providing welcoming, flexible spaces for community groups, events, children’s programmes, and neighbourhood initiatives. CIVIL & EXCAVATION SPECIALISTS EXCAVATION | CONCRETE | DRAINAGE | ROADING | SITE WORKS 021 058 4442 safi.stocker.contracting@gmail.com CHRISTCHURCH & CANTERBURY RELIABLE | EXPERIENCED | RESULTS DRIVEN
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