Mona Vale Bathhouse begins restoration work after earthquake

Long-awaited repair and consolidation work on the historic Mona Vale Bathhouse is set to begin next week.

The project is expected to be completed by summer and represents the last earthquake-related restoration in Mona Vale after the Canterbury earthquakes.

The pool, known for its finely crafted wooden frames and glass railings, has been closed to the public since the earthquakes.

Initially, the repair work was postponed until 2029 due to financial constraints. However, a fundraising campaign by the Friends of Christchurch Botanic Gardens has accelerated the project amid concerns of further deterioration.

“We are very pleased that our fundraising efforts have allowed us to make this restoration a success. Many Cantabrians have supported our campaign, which began with an Edwardian garden party very fitting for this beautiful garden and farm,” said Janet Christensen, Mona Valley Subcommittee Coordinator.

The local community council also played a significant role in funding the restoration. “It has been a real community effort to get to this point and is a testament to what can be achieved when we all work together towards a common goal,” said Jason Middlemass, chair of Waimaru-Findalton-Waimaree-Herwood Community Council. “To have this beautiful building play its part in the fabric of Christchurch life once again and to have all the structures in Mona Vale restored to their original glory is fantastic.”

“Once the project is complete, the Mona Valley area will be open to the entire community to enjoy for years to come,” said Nikki Brown, Interim Director of Botanical Gardens and Parks. “We can only thank the Friends of the Gardens and the Community Council for their support.”

The restored bath house will house a collection of subtropical plants and serve as a venue for small public events. Originally designed as a replica of an Edwardian conservatory, it served as an indoor swimming pool and space for subtropical plants imported by wealthy heiress Annie Townend.

Mrs Townend, an avid gardener, bought the property then known as Kariwa for £6,000 in 1905. She renamed it Mona Vale, extended the property and added bridges and a gate. The bathhouse, built between 1905 and 1914, was intended to resemble the conservatory at Glenmark Station, her father's estate in Waipara.

In 1939, Tracy T. Gogg purchased the town of Mona Vale, creating a special bond with his great-grandson, Fendalton District Councillor James Gogg. “This is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle in the restoration of Mona Vale and I look forward to seeing it completed for everyone to enjoy,” said Councillor Gogg. “I know my great-grandfather would also be delighted to see this work completed and to protect the legacy of this important Christchurch heritage site for the next generation.”

The future looks bright for the Dove House. “The restoration of the Dove House means that Mona Vale staff can return the building to its original state to house a collection of subtropical plants,” Ms Christensen added. “Mona Vale staff are working with Botanic Garden staff to assemble a collection of plants that will complement those grown in Cunningham House and other botanic gardens. This will allow people in Christchurch and beyond to access a piece of botanical history as well as a beautiful garden to visit.”

The restoration of the Mona Vale Bathhouse represents a significant achievement in the preservation of Christchurch’s heritage, ensuring that this historic gem remains an integral part of the community for generations to come.

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