Customhouse (Former)

2 Strathallan Street, Cains Terrace and Station Street, TIMARU

Historic Place Category 1

List No. 324

Quick links:
The former Customs House was designed by [Mr D West], and was opened in August 1902. It was vacated by the Customs Department in the late 1970s. It is strongly classical in design. Two pairs of Doric columns support a frieze and a pediment over the porch on the main elevation; paired pilasters support the frieze around the rest of the building with a pediment on each of the side elevations.

Each of the windows has a pediment bead. It is a well balanced and organized design, enhanced by its position at the junction of three streets which results in its being seen from many aspects. The fence and iron railing, climbing as it comes around the building, gives a finishing touch of dignity.

The historical value of the building lies in its long and close association with the port of Timaru. This, added to the buildings great architectural distinction and setting in the townscape, make it a building of national importance.
Customhouse (Former), Timaru. Image courtesy of www.flickr.com | PhilBee NZ - Phil Braithwaite | 23/08/2020 | Phil Braithwaite
Customhouse (Former), Timaru. Image courtesy of vallance.photography@xtra.co.nz | Francis Vallance | 28/12/2008 | Francis Vallance
Customhouse (Former), Timaru. C.1902 Ref: 1/2-044242-F Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any re-use of this image | Unknown | Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand

List Entry Information

Overview

Status

Listed

List Entry Status

Historic Place Category 1

Access

Private/No Public Access

List Number

324

Date Entered

1st September 1983

Date of Effect

1st September 1983

City/District Council

Timaru District

Region

Canterbury Region

Extent of List Entry

Extent includes the land described as RS 41175 (RT CB33K/822), Canterbury Land District and the building known as Customhouse (Former) thereon.

Legal description

RS 41175 (RT CB33K/822), Canterbury Land District

Status

Listed

List Entry Status

Historic Place Category 1

Access

Private/No Public Access

List Number

324

Date Entered

1st September 1983

Date of Effect

1st September 1983

City/District Council

Timaru District

Region

Canterbury Region

Extent of List Entry

Extent includes the land described as RS 41175 (RT CB33K/822), Canterbury Land District and the building known as Customhouse (Former) thereon.

Legal description

RS 41175 (RT CB33K/822), Canterbury Land District

Construction Information

Construction Professional

Name

West, Daniel

Type

Architect

Biography

No biography is currently available for this construction professional

Construction Details

Start Year

1902

Type

Original Construction

Construction Professional

Name

West, Daniel

Type

Architect

Biography

No biography is currently available for this construction professional

Construction Details

Start Year

1902

Type

Original Construction

Reference

Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau

Other Information

This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Southern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration, with information in square brackets indicating modifications made after the paper was considered.

Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau

Other Information

This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Southern Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration, with information in square brackets indicating modifications made after the paper was considered.

Further Information

Current Usages

Uses: Trade

Specific Usage: Restaurant/cafe/tearoom

Former Usages

General Usage: Government

Specific Usage: Customs House

Current Usages

Uses: Trade

Specific Usage: Restaurant/cafe/tearoom

Former Usages

General Usage: Government

Specific Usage: Customs House

Location

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