Area 98 ha Local time Sunday 11:24 PM | Population 3,012 (2006) | |
 | ||
Weather 15°C, Wind E at 14 km/h, 77% Humidity | ||
Merivale is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, north of the city centre. Like all suburbs in Christchurch, it has no defined boundaries and is a general area, but for the purposes of statistical analysis only, Statistics New Zealand defines it as being Heaton Street to the north, Papanui Road to the east, Harper and Bealey Avenues to the south and Rossall Street to the west, although Real Estate advertising often will claim residences outside this area, especially St Albans to the east of Papanui Road, as being Merivale due to the perceived desirability of the area.
Contents
Map of Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
Early history
Charlotte Jackson of Rugby arrived in 1851 for her two rural sections which went from Merivale Lane to Aikmans Road and from Papanui Road to Boundary Road. She named the 100 acres (0.40 km2) block Merevale. Her brother-in-law, the Rev. Thomas Jackson, was the vicar of Merevale, near Atherstone in Warwickshire. Charlotte Jackson later sold the sections. In December 1859 she sold the northern 50 acres (200,000 m2) to Capt. T. H. Withers of Deptford, and in 1862 the southern 50 acres (200,000 m2) to William Sefton Moorhouse. Moorhouse build a magnificent home on Merevale farm of which half still stands today at 31 Naseby Street. Subsequent owners of the property included John Thomas Peacock and Alfred Louisson.
A hotel has stood at the intersection of Papanui Road and Bealey Avenue since 1865. Carlton Hotel was built in its place in 1906 in time for the New Zealand International Exhibition. The hotel was demolished in April 2011.
Today
Merivale has retained much of the charm and graciousness of the early estates. There are still a few of the narrow streets and lanes and many of the original cottages have been restored. The Mall with supermarket, boutiques and upmarket shops is close to the city. The area is predominantly residential.
Rangi Ruru is located in Merivale. St Margaret's College is also located in Merivale.