Mitre Tavern to stand proud again
MARC GREENHILL Last updated 05:00 05/04/2012
IAIN McGREGOR/Fairfax NZ
STAYING OUT: The Mitre Tavern, in Lyttelton, is to be saved.
The Mitre Tavern escaped demolition after the February 2011 earthquake despite the loss of several century-old waterfront buildings.
The tavern's connection with the Norwich Quay site in Lyttelton dates back to 1849, when Major Alfred Hornbrook opened a sly-grog shop called the Mitre.
Owner Tony Ward said yesterday he wanted to save the landmark and would apply for funding for repair and strengthening work. Specialist heritage engineers Miyamoto Cardno would develop the restoration plan.
"It'll probably satisfy Cera's [Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority] concerns and put us in a position that we can more carefully analyse and work out the best option for the building.
"Beyond that, we'll need further heritage funding," he said.
Strengthening the building beyond the building code was "not a small job", Ward said.
"We want to make sure it has a future for another 100 years."
His insurance claim had not been settled and community support was needed, he said.
A Save the Mitre Tavern Facebook page has been created.
"That [community] backing is starting to show its face. They realise they've lost so much and there might only be two or three key buildings they can seriously pursue," Ward said.
"There are options for this building and it doesn't have to be lost to the community."
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April 11, 2012, 04:56:16 PM