Debate grows over using ratepayer money to revive old Dux de Lux building

Support for the revival of a bar in the old Dux de Lux building is strong, but ratepayers are not sure the council should help fund it.

The historic Dux de Lux building could be revived following a signed deal with local brewer Cassels Brewing Co., with the potential use of ratepayer funding.

Old Dux customers have mixed feelings about using public money.

Tim Baird said “I think ratepayers are under quite a lot of pressure in Ōtautahi at the moment as it is.”

Similarly Linda Shaw, who moved to Auckland after the 2011 earthquakes, said Christchurch ratepayers have already had to meet a lot of costs.

“I think that would be tricky, particularly if they are facing a huge rate increase.

"If I was a ratepayer down there, I would not be so happy about it.”

Others, however, support the proposal, saying it would be a worthwhile use of public money.

Tony Dolan said:  “I would much rather see my rates go to something that I would actually use, rather than cycle lanes and road humps.

"I would say a majority of the people out there would actually put money towards that…they would actually be able to use it themselves and reminisce of the times they went down there.”

For years, there has been talk about bringing a hospitality venue back to the former Dux de Lux site, once home to the Christchurch Student Union.

If the plan goes ahead, public funding through Christchurch’s Iconic Heritage Buildings fund could contribute to the project.

Arts Centre Director Philip Aldridge said the rebuild could be completed within two years for around $10 million of extra council funding.

“We want the Student Union building open and vibrant as soon as possible.

"This would bring much-needed energy and revenue to The Arts Centre and the wider city centre.”

Chief Executive of Cassels Brewing Co., Marshall Moir, said this is an exciting opportunity.

“It’s such an iconic spot that we’d love to see come back to life.

"For us as a brewery and hospitality operator…it’s a great opportunity to be a part of the city centre of Christchurch.”

However, Richard Sinke, founder of The Dux de Lux, said he is frustrated that the lease has been granted to another operator after years of trying to revive the site himself.

“It’s horrible. Every time I go past it, it opens up a part of me that’s saddened by the fact that it’s sat there for 15 years, despite a number of attempts on my part to re-engage with the Arts Centre to get things happening.

"To find out that it’s been given to another operator, I sort of find quite surprising and disappointing.”

Despite this, he still holds the venue close to his heart.

“I always had a dream of standing in that main entranceway overlooking the courtyard…I'm always imagining in my head standing there and seeing it all open again…

"That buzz of people and the warm sunny afternoon in the courtyard on Sunday afternoons.”

The Arts Centre has launched a social media campaign calling for public support for the proposal as part of the Draft Annual Plan process.

Locals say they are thrilled about the potential reopening of the venue.

Baird said, “I think it’s really really valuable that that building is saved, because it’s a really historic place.

"I think for a lot of people…it could be quite emotional for a lot of the locals going back and having a drink on that site, because so many memories were forged.”

Although Shaw is excited about the potential rebuild, she questions whether it would be the same as before.

“I would love to see that centre redeveloped, and being as it was. 

"I don’t know if that’s possible.

"Maybe the city has changed too much that it would not work again.”

The restaurant and bar opened in 1978 in the Arts Centre and became an iconic social hangout spot for locals.

The venue included something for everyone with a sports bar down one end, a vegetarian and seafood restaurant in the centre, a vibrant live music bar, and a relaxed lounge bar upstairs.

After the 2011 earthquakes, the Dux de Lux was forced to close due to structural damage.

If funding goes ahead, the old Student Union building could be open in two years with Cassels Brewing as a hospitality tenant.