Farrell Construction was engaged as the Main Contractor to strengthen and restore St Patrick’s Church in Akaroa, a Heritage Grade 1 listed building dating back to the 1870s. The 12-month project combined seismic strengthening with extensive foundation upgrades and a full internal and external refurbishment.

Working within heritage guidelines required close collaboration with architects and consultants at every stage. The project was managed through a strategic three-phase delivery model:

1. Foundation Remediation: re-levelling the structure and replacing foundations and piles.
2. Structural Upgrades: Installing seismic strengthening systems, including complex reinforcement of the historic bell tower.
3. Restoration & Envelope: Wrapping the building to facilitate a full roof upgrade, façade repairs, and heritage restoration of original windows, joinery, and decorative details.

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Careful sequencing was critical to ensure programme certainty while protecting heritage features such as original windows, joinery and decorative details.

The church was fully restored with new flooring, upgraded roof structure and cladding, repaired exterior walls, refurbished interiors and a complete repaint. This heritage restoration in Canterbury resulted in a structurally sound, revitalised landmark that retains its historic character while ensuring the church can serve the community for generations to come.