Christchurch railway station, Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch [1960]

A move for the replacement of the 1887 station had begun as early as 1914 with architect's drawings being published in 1938 with the Department of Railways' annual report. War delayed construction and work was not begun until 1953 although the 1938 plans were followed with minor additions. The station was opened on 1 November 1960 by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. Michael Moohan (1899-1967). At the time it was the largest building to be erected in Christchurch for some years apart from the Princess Margaret Hospital. Architects were Gray Young, Morton & Calder; supervising architects, Manson, Seward & Stanton; builders, Wilkins & Davies (foundations), P. Graham & Son (superstructure). "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. Unfortunately by the time it was opened the use of the railways was in serious decline and the building was never used to its full potential.

On 4 September 2010 the building's clock tower was damaged during an earthquake. The clock, frozen since the moment of the quake, is currently inoperative and cordoned off. The damage was found to be superficial and, with temporary repairs made, a decision is pending on its future.

Further damage was sustained by the building in a subsequent earthquake on 22 February 2011. Its condition has been assessed and found to require a significant effort for repairs and strengthening. The cost of this work may determine the fate of the building, with current owner Science Alive! considering exiting the site and relocating to a new purpose-built building in the central city. The Hoyts cinema annex has also suffered earthquake damage and may have to be rebuilt.