The long-awaited earthquake repair and strengthening work on the historic Mona Vale Bath House is set to commence next week.

The project, expected to be completed by summer, marks the final earthquake-related restoration at Mona Vale following the Canterbury earthquakes.

The Bath House, known for its finely crafted timber framing and glazing bars, has been closed to the public since the earthquakes.

Originally, budget constraints pushed the repair work to 2029. However, a fundraising campaign by the Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens expedited the project amid concerns of further deterioration.

“We are thrilled that our fundraising efforts have allowed this restoration to be brought forward. Many Cantabrians supported our campaign, which began with an Edwardian Garden Party very fitting for this beautiful garden and homestead,” said Jeanette Christensen, Convener of the Mona Vale sub-committee.

The local Community Board also played a significant role in funding the restoration. “It’s been a true 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,” stated Jason Middlemass, Chair of the Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board. “To have this lovely building play its part in the fabric of Christchurch life again and to have all the structures at Mona Vale restored to their original glory is wonderful.”

Nicky Brown, Acting Director of the Botanic Gardens and Garden Parks said “Once complete, all of Mona Vale will be open for the whole community to enjoy for years to come. We cannot say thank you enough to the Friends of the Gardens and the Community Board for their support.”

The restored Bath House will house a semi-tropical collection of plants and serve as a venue for small public events. Originally designed to replicate an Edwardian conservatory, it functioned both as an indoor swimming pool and a space for sub-tropical plants, imported by wealthy heiress Annie Townend.

Ms. Townend, an avid gardener, purchased the property, then known as Karewa, for £6,000 in 1905. She renamed it Mona Vale, expanded the estate, and added bridges and a gatehouse. The Bath House, built between 1905 and 1914, was intended to resemble the conservatory at Glenmark Station, her father’s property in Waipara.

In 1939, Mona Vale was purchased by Tracy T. Gough, creating a special connection for his great-grandson, Fendalton Ward Councillor James Gough. “This is the final piece of the puzzle in Mona Vale’s restoration, and I am looking forward to it being finished for everyone to enjoy,” Councillor Gough said. “I know my great-grandfather would also be pleased to see this work completed and the legacy of this important Christchurch heritage site protected for the next generation.”

The future looks bright for the Bath House. “To have the Bath House restored means that the Mona Vale staff can reinstate the building to house a collection of semi-tropical plants,” Mrs. Christensen added. “Mona Vale staff are working with the conservatory staff at the Botanic Gardens to put together a collection which will complement those grown in Cunningham House and the other conservatories. This will allow the people of Christchurch and beyond to have access to a slice of botanical history as well as a beautiful garden to visit.”

The restoration of the Mona Vale Bath House signifies a significant achievement in preserving Christchurch’s heritage, ensuring that this historical gem remains an integral part of the community for generations to come.