Canterbury architects want historic Lyttelton building saved

A group of Canterbury architects are fighting to save the Lyttelton Tunnel's control building, which was severely damaged in the February earthquake.

It served as the gateway from the port to Canterbury for 50 years, and is one of the few historic buildings remaining in the city.

The famous landmark was designed by Peter Beaven, who was said to be inspired by Canterburys founding settlers who arrived on the first four ships.

Canterbury Institute of Architects (CIA) chair David Hill is one of those who admires its design.

It's a fantastic piece of architecture, he says.

It's one of the few contemporary buildings to have a Historic Places Trust category one listing, but suffered serious structural damage in the February quake.

CIA president David Sheppard is calling for more time.

Take another look at it before the bulldozers demolish what has definitely become a landmark building in the Christchurch scene, he says.

Locals struggle to share their architectural enthusiasm.

It's not the prettiest building in my opinion, says resident Brian Rick.

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Canterbury architects want historic Lyttelton building saved