Lyttelton Road Tunnel Administration Building, Administrative building at Heathcote Valley, New Zealand
The Lyttelton Road Tunnel Administration Building was a modernist structure at the tunnel entrance that monitored traffic flow for vehicles traveling between Christchurch and Lyttelton. It featured white ceramic tiles and a design by architect Peter Beaven that reflected mid-century architectural principles.
The building opened in 1963 and served as the control center for New Zealand's longest road tunnel at the time. It was demolished in 2013 following severe earthquakes that damaged the structure.
The building's design incorporated elements reflecting the maritime heritage of Lyttelton Harbor, integrating local architectural traditions with functional requirements.
The building no longer exists as it was demolished in 2013, so only historical information is available at the site. Visitors can still drive through the tunnel itself or learn about its heritage through local museums and information centers.
The building received Category 1 historic status in 2008, making it one of the most important architectural records of New Zealand's transportation era. This designation highlighted its role as a symbol of the nation's infrastructure advances.
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