Merivale, Christchurch

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.
The area is predominantly residential.
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 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 to Capt. T. H. Withers of Deptford, and in 1862 the southern 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 Studholme, 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 and has since been rebuilt to a contemporary design.
There are still a few of the narrow streets and lanes and many of the original cottages have been restored.
Economy.
Merivale Mall.
Merivale Mall, the local shopping centre, covers 7,580 m². It has 55 retailers including FreshChoice.
Education.
Rangi Ruru and St Margaret's College are located in Merivale.