Diggers scraping, nibbling, and pulling down heritage buildings used to be a common sight in Christchurch - less so in recent years.
But this week sees the final hurrah of the long vacant, earthquake-damaged Harley Chambers at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Worcester Street.
Harley's history
Purpose built in 1929 at the behest of dentist, Dr A. E. Suckling, as a "medico-dental" building, it was designed in 1924 by prominent Christchurch architect G. T. (Gordon) Lucas. Internally the rooms were designed and set up so that every room could potentially be used as a dental surgery and featured a number of "high-tech" innovations in terms of the electrical and heating systems.
Lucas designed a number of other Christchurch buildings including the Hays department store on Gloucester Street. The building remained in use as medical and dental offices (as well as housing a yoga studio and beauty therapist) right up until 22 February 2011. The name of the building "Harley" came from where Dr Suckling initially practiced dentistry in London, on the world-renowned Harley Street. Suckling's building, as a hub for medical and dental practices, perhaps functioned as a small-scale Antipodean outpost, with the Harley name adding a little prestige into the bargain.
Extensions were added to the building in 1934, again designed by G. T. Lucas.
See more architectural drawings and plans of the 1934 extension.
Harley Chambers - Across the years
We have a number of photos featuring the buildings in our collection that offer interesting snapshots of life in Christchurch.
People crowding the roof of the festooned Harley Buildings to see Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during the Royal Tour of 1954.
A rare interior view of the board room at Harley Chambers reveals the height of sophisticated decor in 1975, in which the walls, floor, ceiling and BOARD ROOM TABLES are covered in shag pile. It's... probably soundproof? A static charge nightmare? A strictly beverage-free zone?
Extra points for the short-shorts and knee-socks combo.
The building again provides a great vantage point, this time for people watching the Christmas parade go past on Cambridge Terrace in 1980.
The buildings have provided a backdrop to more than one parade. Love that location!
Looking postcard perfect just before the earthquakes of February 2011.
Post-quake, the setting for protest...
The demolition of Harley Chambers will make way for a new hotel.
More information
- Demolition begins on historic Harley Chambers building The Press 26 July 2026
- Heritage Assessment, Harley Chambers - District Plan
- Harley Buildings Heritage listing (Historic Place Category 2)
- Dentec - includes information about the history of the firm started by Dr Suckling and the buildings
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