Container Mall, originally known as Re:START, emerged as a temporary shopping destination in Christchurch Central City, New Zealand, constructed entirely from shipping containers. The mall was a direct response to the catastrophic Christchurch earthquake on February 22, 2011, which caused extensive destruction to the majority of buildings in City Mall, encompassing Cashel and High Streets. As a result, the central city was inaccessible to the public due to ongoing demolition work. Initially conceived as a short-term solution to the absence of permanent structures, Re:START gained immense popularity among both locals and tourists. It continued operating until January 2018, serving as a vibrant hub of commerce.
Background:
City Mall, located in the heart of Christchurch, served as the primary shopping area. This pedestrian mall spanned two blocks of Cashel Street, stretching from Oxford Terrace to High Street, and one block of High Street, running from Cashel Street to Hereford Street. The central city, including the structures within City Mall, had already sustained damage during the Canterbury earthquake on September 4, 2010. However, the seismic event that occurred on Boxing Day of the same year, though of a lower magnitude, proved to be more devastating due to its epicenter directly beneath the central city. The true extent of destruction, however, manifested with the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, as numerous historic building facades in the mall crumbled, leaving the city center in ruins.
(Featured Image) : “This work” by othree is licensed under CC BY 4.0 – Taken on October 13, 2017
| Location | City Mall, Christchurch, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Coordinates |  43°31′59.77″S 172°38′6.27″E |
| Address | Cashel Street |
| Opening date | 29 October 2011; 11 years ago |
| Closing date | 31 January 2018; 5 years ago |
| Developer | Restart The Heart Trust |
| Number of tenants 50 |
“This work” by othree is licensed under CC BY 4.0 – Taken on October 13, 2017
“This work” by othree is licensed under CC BY 4.0 – Taken on October 13, 2017
“This work” by othree is licensed under CC BY 4.0 – Taken on October 13, 2017