As businesses and their teams head back to the inner city and into the flash new office spaces being built for them, it’s good to know someone’s thinking about where the children can go.

When developer Richard Peebles bought the old Family Courts building on Armagh Street in 2018, he already had in mind that an inner-city childcare facility would be a great future for the building.

You can see the attraction – the Gothic architecture evokes images of castles, princes, princesses and magical goings-on; there’s a view over the River Avon; and in the grounds there are 100-year-old horse chestnut trees to play under.

The idea led to the Peebles Group and childcare operator Millie’s House working together to transform the building into an early learning centre that meetsall Ministry of Education and health and safety requirements. Millie’s House Early Learning Centre was born and is now open. 

It’s a perfect fit that has given a new lease of life to the old courthouse, which was built in 1880. It’s the oldest purpose-built court building remaining in Christchurch and the only part of the original court complex still standing. The redevelopment preserved the stunning exterior and many of the enchanting interior features of stone, wood panelling, beautiful ceilings, fixtures and fittings, while also bringing everything up to date with fun, comfort and safety in mind.

The central location means the children have the courthouse as a base and their teachers can easily take them out and about in the exciting, ever-changing central city, visiting places such as new central library Tūranga, the Canterbury Museum, the Christchurch Art Gallery, Margaret Mahy Playground and the Botanic Gardens. The fact that the centre is close to many city office blocks also enables nursing mothers to pop in during the day and make use of the private breastfeeding facilities.

Within the building’s large stone walls is ample space for the children to play and learn. There are eight play areas plus two large communal areas for fostering creativity with art and craft activities, science and exploration, story times and messy play. There are also separate sleep areas for daytime naps and very impressive bathroom spaces, offering child-sized cubicles for privacy and independence. All areas are set out according to age and stage of development. The indoor areas boast separate milk kitchens for each room and separate change areas. Nutritious home-cooked meals and snacks are provided throughout the day to keep the children nourished. All dietary needs are catered for.

Millie’s House Early Learning Centre
85 Armagh Street, 03 365 0095
millieshouse.co.nz