Rutherford's Den Revival
Client: Arts Centre Christchurch
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Year: 2015 - 2016
Setting the scene for cultural restoration
Brief
An invaluable educational resource in the past, Rutherford's Den was ripe for reinvention before the 2011 earthquakes that devastated Christchurch. The former research rooms used by Ernest Rutherford – the man who split the atom - himself were an attraction for school groups and schoolchildren. The imperative for high-quality interfaces to lift the quality of the experience of the precinct was set by the Arts Centre Vision (developed by Michelle while working at Arup) and Rutherford's Den identified as the opportunity to set the tone for an enhanced experience.
Approach
Working closely with Council’s arts and culture coordinator, Left Bank Co. undertook a study of the property and its potential as a creative destination. We assessed its history and the permitted uses set by its heritage listing, explored Council’s arts and cultural objectives and local needs, and examined the site to understand its strengths and limitations for housing different kinds of uses. We also tested Council’s appetite and policies to determine the best business model for activating the site. We narrowed the field of the kinds of creative activities and uses the building would best suit, and then worked with Council to develop a detailed expression of interest document to seek a tenant to lease the house.
Following the creative brief, we continued to work with the Arts Centre to articulate a business model and associated plan for operating Rutherford’s Den in order to strive towards operational sustainability. Along with the business model, we developed a strong pitch for Federal funding to support the early stages of re-opening. The revitalised Rutherford’s Den opened in late 2016.
Impact
Our work on Rutherford’s Den enabled the Arts Centre to fast track the re-opening of this important part of the precinct, not only prioritising cultural and educational experiences for the people of Christchurch, but demonstrating the degree of innovation and quality of outcome that the Arts Centre wanted to display across the rest of the precinct revival.