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Heritage-listed High Street development nears completion

Steven Walton

The heritage-listed Duncan's Building on High Street should open as a "thriving little hub" in a month, according to one of the project's developers.

Kris Inglis, who developed the building with business partners Richard Peebles and Mike Percasky, said 75% of the building's office and retail space has been leased. 

The main build works have been completed, the historic facade has been restored and stabilized, and tenants are now beginning to fit out their spaces, he said. 

"Certainly with the historic facade, it's started to look pretty amazing and the appeal is certainly there and the interest from tenants is really picking up," Inglis said. 

He said the history of the building drew him to it, pointing out that Christchurch doesn't have a lot of heritage buildings after the quakes.

Inglis, who studied civil engineering at the University of Canterbury, has been involved in other commercial developments in Christchurch, including the restoration of the McKenzie and Willis building next door to the Duncan's Building. 

Inglis said it'll be hugely satisfying once the Duncan's building is completely opened. 

"It's always an exciting journey," he said.