Salvation Army Hope Centre

The Salvation Army Hope Centre was LT McGuinness’s first job for renowned Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney. The site opposite Wellington Hospital on Newtown’s busy Riddiford Street posed several challenges.

Initial work took place during winter on ground of claggy orange clay, with spring-fed water pouring from a bank at the back of the site. The retaining wall along the neighbours’ boundaries had to be strengthened to ensure there was no slumping.

Pre-cast concrete panels, each weighing 8-10 tonnes, were craned onto the site between 2am and 5am. This was the only time permitted for taking down the trolley bus wires that run along Riddiford Street. Once arrangements were in place, the job had to run with military-like precision.

The governor general, mayor, government ministers and other dignitaries attended the opening ceremony in February 1999.