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Retired builder John Wilson didn’t expect to be back plying his trade, least of all on his commercial investment in Colombo St near the erstwhile Convention Centre.

But the February 2011 earthquake had other plans.

The top storey of his former two level building, at 789-791 Colombo St, suffered damage in September 2010. Wilson subsequently drew up plans to replace the upper level and strengthen the building so it could be reoccupied. But that never eventuated, with the remedial work scheduled to begin on February 24 last year. The building was later demolished.

Enjoying his retirement, Wilson and his wife had been travelling through Africa for seven months when they heard news of the February quake and beat a hasty return to Christchurch.

While the Colombo St site was caught in the red zone, Wilson set about designing a new build, which he has toiled on himself since last November. During that time, the property alternated in and out of the red zone depending on nearby demolition, including the Convention Centre.

With Wilson’s new building now complete, commercial leasing broker Ryan Geddes of Colliers International, is now seeking tenants for the 250m2 building. The ground floor occupies 127m2 and the upstairs 123m2. Rental is $350/sqm.

“This is a great example of some of the smaller developments that will start to emerge within the four avenues and to satisfy tenant demand. There has been a lot of demolition in this area and now there are several businesses re-establishing in the vicinity and plans are well advanced for another development in the same block.”

Underground Coffee and the Orange Tree café previously occupied the space.

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