Edmonds’ Band Rotunda, the architectural heritage of Christchurch. 8.

The rotunda was donated to Christchurch by Thomas Edmonds. It was designed by Victor Hean, opening in November 1929. In 1989 it was converted into a restaurant. The rotunda is located on the banks of the Avon River just by Manchester Street.

Thomas Edmonds contributed significantly to the architectural history of Christchurch after the founding of the Edmonds Factory and Gardens in Ferry Road. The many buildings he substantially funded or donated to the city include: the Theosophical Society building in Cambridge Terrace, the Radiant Hall (now the Repertory Theatre) in Kilmore Street, the Band rotunda (now the Thomas Edmonds Restaurant) in Cambridge Terrace, the clock tower and telephone cabinet in Oxford Terrace, 16 lighting standards along Cambridge Terrace, and Bickerton Park on the comer of Wainoni Road and Avonside Drive in memory Theatre of his friend Professor Bickerton. Thomas Edmonds' prolific donations were a result of his 50 years of business in Christchurch.

The rotunda building was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes and the restaurant/cafe will not reopen.