Pallet Pavilion

The Pallet Pavilion was a transitional architecture project that functioned as a community space and venue for events. It was built by volunteer power over 6 weeks in late 2012. It was a fully consented built structure and unlike anything else in Christchurch at the time.

The Pallet Pavilion was built from over 3000 wooden blue CHEP pallets and was a showcase for the possibilities of innovative transitional architecture in a city that was ready to embrace new ideas.

Designed by emerging designers, supported by established professionals, and built from loaned, reused and donated materials using volunteer, professional and community labour, it was a testament to the effectiveness of a collaborative and community-minded process. That creative ethos continued through its use, as the Pavilion hosted live music, outdoor cinema and a wide range of other events from Thursday to Sunday and was also available for hire by any individual or community organisation at other times. The capacity of the venue was 200 people.

The Pavilion opened in early December 2012. The blue exterior concealing a secret garden within, its landscaping creatively integrated into the walls and stepped seating. The selection of plants bloomed over the course of the summer.

Over the summer, the Pallet Pavilion helped to address the city’s need for new small-to-medium sized venues, after the loss of clubrooms and community halls demolished as a result of the earthquakes. Located on the prominent site of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel, at the head of Victoria Square, the Pavilion also aimed to draw people back into Christchurch city, supporting central businesses and promoting the central city as a place for experimentation. It was a family-friendly venue and something uniquely designed for Christchurch.