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Ron E Bishop
General Manager
Timaru Tourist Promotions Limited
132 Gleniti Rd, Timaru
Phone: 03 686 1271
Mobile: 027 228 4756
Email Me
|
Greetings
from the Timaru City Central
What does Timaru have that many other Cities don’t have? For me the answer would have to be the magnificent Edwardian style Buildings. Take a walk through the Central Business area one day and spend a few moments admiring the
beauty of these old buildings. There are far to many to fit on one page but here are just some of my favourites. |
 Mascot Finance HouseAt the beginning of last century a local
farmer W.K. McDonald purchased some
valuable land in Timaru and he had a
vision to build fine buildings. He built
this fine looking building on the top of the
Bay Hill. The building in later years
became know as Mascot Finance House.
The owners have unfortunately gone into
receivership and at the time of writing the
building is for sale.
Hydro Grand HotelIn 1912 after W. K. McDonald had built
Mascot Finance House just across the
road he built the Hydro Grand Hotel. It
was by far the biggest and most modern
Hotel in South Canterbury at the time.
Situated on a hill overlooking Caroline
Bay with magnificent views to the mountains
and the sea the Hydro Grand Hotel
soon became a land mark on Caroline
Bay and a popular place to stay.
Unfortunately this grand old building has
been earmarked by its present owners to
meet the fate of a bulldozer. The New
Zealand Historical Places Trust does
have some say on its demolition but
unless they can find an alternative use
for this weary old building they will be
left with no option but to give in to
the current owners and see it demolished.
Photos and design of this page courtesy Timaru Tourist
Promotions Limited,
Ron E Bishop Phone 686 1271, ron@timarudirectory.co.nz |
Landing Services BuildingThis magnificent bluestone building was
built in the mid 1800’s and its first
manager was Captain Henry Cain
pictured above.
On 12th June 2006
Timaru experienced its heaviest snow fall
in 6o years. The town became deserted
and Captain Cain was left to stay seated
at his post holding a snow baby.
Thanks to the Timaru District Council
and the South Canterbury Historic Places
Trust the Landing Services building is
fully restored and is now the home of the
Timaru Information Centre.
Community HouseThis magnificent building is now the
home of 24 different South Canterbury
community service organisations and in a
past life was the home of several
different stock and station agencies. It
became available with the merger of
Wrightsons and Pyne Gould & Guinness
and has been completely restored. |
Ferguson BuildingOn the top of the Bay Hill over looking
Caroline Bay stands another beautiful old
building. Before her untimely death it
belonged to a local hairdresser Jenny
Ferguson. Jenny was an enthusiastic
member of the local Historical Society
and a women with a passion for
preserving Timaru’s history. The
Ferguson building currently houses many
restaurants and cafes on the Bay Hill.
Grosvenor HotelAffectionately known as the 'Grand Old
Lady of the South', the Grosvenor is
very much a part of Timaru's history with
ornate styling dating back to the 19th
Century. The Grosvenor is situated in
central Timaru close to the waterfront and
just around the corner from the main
shopping area www.grosvenorhotel.co.nz
Wishing WellOn top of the Bay Hill over looking
Caroline Bay is this attractive looking
wishing well under snow. It was
presented to the City by the members of
Rotary Club of Timaru Inc. |
