Erskine Chapel Open Day and Markets

A Community Open Day and Craft Market on Sunday 3rd November from 10am - 3pm.

Erskine Chapel reopened in 2023 after significant strengthening and restoration works. The iconic Category 1-listed French Gothic chapel is a sentinel of older times. Located in the core of the former Erskine college building, the chapel’s interior is of great significance.

A contemporary approach was taken to the west façade and entrance – a minimalist intervention bandages the scar left by the removal of the old earthquake-prone main block. Major steel structural upgrades are semi unapologetic on the outside, but subtly integrated inside. A new roof allows the original brick-ribbed ceiling to remain intact and has been restored by master plasterers. Aside from steel, tonnes of high-strength grout was poured into the existing façade – a colossal strengthening effort to preserve the envelope. The chapel is located on the first level, where the restoration reaches a full crescendo of white arched ceilings lit by stained glass. No effort was spared to return the interiors to their original beauty, despite a decade of severe neglect.

Winner of the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Wellington region 2024 Awards in the heritage category and short-listed for the national awards in same category (winners advised in November 2024). These awards highlight the work of Tobin Smith of Common Architecture and Adam Wild of Archifact Architecture & Conservation Heritage.

Explore the Chapel and support local artisans and makers. Bask in the music and aroma of freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. Mark this date in your calendar now and experience the chapel's charm and restored beauty. Entry to chapel by Koha for ongoing chapel maintenance.