For many years, the railway station was a prominent and familiar landmark in New Zealand cities, towns and rural districts. In the 1950s New Zealand had more than 1350 railway stations.
The original Christchurch Railway Station was constructed in 1863. It was subsequently replaced in 1877 and then a third replacement opened in 1960. At the time it was one of the largest buildings to be erected in Christchurch.
"The new Christchurch station is a magnificent symbol of the steady modernisation of New Zealand's railway system, planned to meet the needs of a dynamic and vigorous community". Christchurch City Civic Developments.
Throughout a period of time when travel by train was at its peak, Christchurch Railway Station served as a vital hub for the city and the surrounding region. The station was a place where the people of Christchurch would say hello and goodbye to family and friends. Visitors would arrive and depart. Mail would be sent and delivered along with other commodities for everyday life. Many activities revolved around the train schedules.
Over time as people began to travel more by car, the need for the railway station was greatly diminished and it closed to local passenger services in 1966. Regional services continued until 1990. Unfortunately the building was never used to its full potential.
From the late 1960's, the station underwent various renovations and adaptive reuse projects. It was transformed into a unique space that housed various businesses, restaurants, and event venues.
After the 2010 earthquake, the building suffered significant damage and was demolished in 2012.
https://christchurchcitylibraries.com/heritage/photos/disc10/img0041.asp
Photo: By Matthew25187 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0