As part of the $290M extensive restoration project at one of New Zealand’s most significant collection of heritage buildings, BBR Contech was nominated as the specialist seismic retrofit contractor working tirelessly alongside the Arts Centre Group, Fletcher Construction and Holmes Consulting Group to restore the magnificent Great Hall structure.

Opened in 1882 as Canterbury College library and public lectures hall, the Category 1 historic structure suffered significant damage during the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010-2011 and required extensive strengthening restoration work. BBR Contech’s work scope included controlled demolition of existing external post-tensioned cables, supply installation and tensioning of Macalloy S1030 post tensioning systems both horizontally and vertically and controlled grouting operations. All re-work and upgrades were designed to be intentionally hidden behind heritage fabric and the  specialist activities were carried out with extreme care and precision to ensure the heritage fabric was not damaged in any way.

The Great Hall was re-opened 18th June 2016.