Style: May 20, 2020

24 STYLE | architecture
TOP: The stairs leading to the outside deck. BOTTOM: The mezzanine with repurposed armchairs and Formica tables, with views over London Street.
fairly wonderful street. We showed
the council images of what it could be.
People up on the balcony, enjoying the
sun while the market happens below,”
Michael says.
Being a clever type of chap, he also
designed the steel balustrade so that it
winks at you, luring you in.
“When you are walking around
London Street it changes and moves
with the sun. We thought, why don’t we
do something playful with the balustrade
and make it really robust and theatrical,
like a stage would be in the middle of a
European theatre?” he says.
Shaun, who owns Bake Tech Services
and is fairly handy with steel items, had
the balustrade profile cut at one of his
steel manufacturers and the 3.5-tonne
structure was craned into place like a
giant puzzle piece.
A distinct repurposing trend runs
through the entire building. Where
customers once filled in deposit forms
and took them to the tellers, people
now order beer. Behind where the
tellers’ desks would have been and
in the old bank safe, complete with
combination lock, Scotty ‘the bearded
brewer’ concocts his latest ale in the
stainless-steel vats. He is in his element,
rap music belting out while he creates.
Up the stairs, it is a delight of nooks
and crannies. The landing is the old bank
incinerator and the kitchen is the former
staffroom. Michael added in a playful
mezzanine level and an outdoor area,
where live bands can entertain patrons
at the weekends.
Repurposing runs throughout the
décor too. Beautiful crochet blankets
are flung over retro-looking chairs,
while people sit at old Formica tables
with chairs from the former Le Café
at the Christchurch Arts Centre. You
are transported back in time to when
you used to perch happily at your
grandparents’ table, drinking Raro