Vbase opens Christchurch's newest venue

Christchurch's newest venue has opened in the heart of Christchurch’s beautiful Botanic Gardens.

Designed by leading New Zealand architects Patterson Associates, the $16.4 million Ilex cafe and events centre marries white embossed concrete with clean glass panels and plant cell motifs to create a visually striking building that sits at ease within its natural surroundings.

Speaking at last week’s opening event, Vbase Chairman and Christchurch City Councillor Jamie Gough was thrilled to add ilex to the list of venues it manages.

Gough stated “this is truly a unique space and we believe it is going to quickly become a jewel in Christchurch’s crown - a place with the real wow factor. To manage it along with our other venues, CBS Canterbury Arena, AMI Stadium, and Air Force Museum is a real honour.

“We’re certainly very excited about the possibilities it offers to event organisers looking for a special venue for their next function or event.”

In the new building is a light and airy multi-purpose function room ideal for everything from weddings to cocktail parties, dinners and meetings. The function room can comfortably seat up to 160 people and its riverside location provides unparalleled indoor and outdoor entertaining opportunities.

In addition to the function room there is also an attractive cafe with seating for a further 60, providing another great option for evening events.

The Botanic Gardens Centre also combines a working nursery, a botanical research herbarium and a permanent exhibition telling the story of Christchurch through plants and gardens.

The name ilex stems from the old name for the Holm Oak or Quercus ilex. In ancient Rome these evergreen leaves were used to make a crown of honour, once held in higher regard than those made of gold.

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