The Christchurch Gasworks began operation in 1864. Over its 118-year life it supplied coal gas to the residents and businesses of Christchurch. Challenges connected with New Zealand’s unique West Coast coal prompted engineers at the plant to develop innovative engineering solutions.
Christchurch Gas Works, August 1973. Kevin Hill. Kete Christchurch.
The production of gas from coal was an exciting 19th century innovation. The Christchurch Gasworks was the second such plant in New Zealand. A gasworks in Dunedin had opened in 1863, but Christchurch was quick to follow suit and the Christchurch Gas, Coal and Coke Company had their plant up and running just a year later.
Prior to the introduction of gas, a small number of kerosene lamps had been used to light Christchurch City streets. As well as street lighting, gas was used for domestic heating and cooking. Demand for gas grew and the network rapidly expanded across the city, reaching all but the outer suburbs. Consumption hit its peak in 1933. Gas remained popular for cooking, but electricity began to grow in popularity for lighting and heating.
Christchurch industry also benefitted from reticulated gas supply. For factories in the industrial area of Hornby, including the Hornby Glass Works, gas was essential to their operation. By-products were also valued. Tar was used for roading, and ammonia was highly prized by the freezing industry.
As the company expanded its capacity, new designs and technology were tested. The unique properties of New Zealand West Coast coal provided challenges that led to a greater understanding of chemical engineering processes.
In 1967, the company decided to make use of a new technique that used oil instead of coal to produce gas. Over the next decade oil prices rose and the economic viability of the plant greatly reduced. Nor was coal any longer a viable option. The West Coast mine, the company’s main source of coal, was set to close in 1981.
Partially demolished Christchurch Gasworks, 1980s. Robin Thomas. Kete Christchurch. Licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 NZ). http://ketechristchurch.peoplesnetworknz.info/places_and_streets/images/show/16644-partially-demolished-christchurch-gasworks#.XJ1vClUzZhF
The reticulation of gas transformed people’s lives in the 19th century and continued to play an important part in industry through into the 20th century. The Christchurch Gasworks also exemplified engineering innovation. When the plant was decommissioned in 1982, technical components were salvaged and transferred to Ferrymead Historical Park.
More Information
Access
Components from the gasworks are held at the Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Dr, Heathcote, Christchurch.
Location
The Christchurch Gasworks was located on the corner of Moorhouse Avenue and Waltham Road, Christchurch.
