Antigua Boatsheds
The Antigua Boatsheds (1882/1907) is an example of a Victorian commercial pleasure boat shed, the only one remaining in Canterbury.
In 1882, Albert Shaw and John T. Tidd, boat builders from Lyttelton, requested permission from the Christchurch City Council to erect boat sheds on the northern banks of the Avon River between Hospital Bridge and Montreal Street. Opening in August 1882, the boatsheds were named after the nearby Antigua Street.
Built in a similar appearance to the former Montreal Street boat sheds (1875-1929), the Antigua Boatsheds featured Carpenter Gothic finials and bargeboards, with Elizabethan half timbering. There were rest rooms for customers and refreshments were available on site.
In the following year, by the time of the first anniversary, the business had around forty boats in use on the river.
In November 1896, Samuel Anstey became the owner.
A fire, possibly caused by the furnace used to steam the timber for boat construction, destroyed half of the boat shed building in May 1907. Despite the damage, the business continued to operate. Following this setback, the boat sheds were rebuilt, and the eastern two bays were built as a double storey structure. Further changes were made to the building in 1920, with the addition of a shop on the western end.
Another long owner was Bill Dini, who operated the sheds between 1948 and 1978.
The Antigua Boatsheds suffered minimal damaged in the 2011 Canterbury earthquake and continue to operate in their traditional role.
Eastern facade of Antigua Boatsheds
The eastern facade of the Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds
Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Boat Shed Cafe and Cambridge Terrace
The Boat Shed Cafe at the Antigua Boatsheds as seen from the Antigua Street Bridge. To the south is the apartment building at 15 Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds
Antigua Boatsheds and Boat Shed Cafe as seen from the Antigua Street Bridge. To the north is 15 Cambridge Terrace.
Boat Shed Cafe
Boat Shed Cafe at the Antigua Boat Sheds.
Antigua Boatsheds
Antigua Boatsheds as seen from Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds stairs
Stairs leading to a staff only area inside Antigua Boatsheds.
Antigua Boatsheds and Cambridge Terrace
Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Eastern facade of Antigua Boatsheds
The eastern facade of Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds canoe storage
Canoe storage area at Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds
Sign on the northern facade of the Antigua Boatsheds at 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds
The shop at the Antigua Boatsheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boatsheds
Antigua Boatsheds.
Antigua Bridge and Antigua Boat Sheds
Antigua Bridge and Antigua Boat Sheds, viewed from the Botanic Gardens side of the Avon River looking towards Cambridge Terrace. Figures are visible on the bridge.
Antigua Bridge and Antigua Boat Sheds
View of the Antigua Bridge and Antigua Boat Sheds, viewed from the Botanic Gardens side of the Avon River.
Man and woman in a rowboat by the Antigua Boat Sheds
Stereograph of a man and woman in a rowboat on the Avon River near the Antigua Boat Sheds and Antigua Bridge. Drawn up boats, a bicycle and other figures are in the background.
Two women and a man in a rowboat by the Antigua Boat Sheds
Two women and a man in a rowboat on the Avon River by the Antigua Boat Sheds and the Antigua Bridge.
Antigua Bridge, December 18, 1902
View of the Antigua Bridge under construction including the former bridge, temporary bridge and Antigua Boat Sheds along Cambridge Terrace.
Antigua Boat Sheds
The Antigua Boat Sheds on Cambridge Terrace.
Runners, Antigua bridge, Avon River
Photographer's note: Runners at the Avon River. Avon River.