One of the last empty “super-lots” in the heart of Christchurch’s central business district is set to be transformed into the city’s largest multi-use development since the devastating earthquakes more than a decade ago.
The $130 million project, named Downtown, will rise on the site between Manchester Street, Cashel Street and Lichfield Street, on the former site of Bedford Row – an area where every building was lost in the quakes.
The large-scale precinct will feature 18 individually designed buildings housing a mix of retail stores, hospitality venues, office spaces, and apartments.
Lead developer Richard Peebles said the goal was to create a development that felt like it had always been a part of the cityscape.
“We didn’t want one monolithic simple design,” said Peebles. “We wanted individual designs so it looked like it had been here forever.”
The vision includes an open-air alley, forming a hospitality and retail thoroughfare. Peebles said the spot was perfect, with its proximity to the new stadium and Cashel Mall.
“It’s a strategic central city site. Right on the boundary of the Cashel Mall, with Little High and High Street, then you’ve got Te Kaha stadium right there,” he said.
One of the corners of the site used to be home popular bar The Loaded Hog, and Bedford Row had Sammy’s Jazz Review.
“Bedford Row used to have Sammy’s and it was a really cool street. We want to bring back that vibe,” he said.
Designers have drawn inspiration from historic Christchurch architecture, with one building paying homage to the iconic Manchester Courts, which was demolished after it was damaged in the 2010 September earthquake.
Peebles said most of the credit for the idea was owed to his development manager Ben Owen.
At only 29, Owen was never able to frequent the bars and clubs of the old site, given he was underage.
“I wasn’t lucky enough to experience Bedford Row or even Sol Square,” he said. But Owen noticed the site and suggested a multi-use development, given the proliferation of shops going up nearby such as LKSD and JD Sports. He said he’d consider moving into one of the apartments when the development was complete.
One neighbouring resident was thrilled to hear of the plans being built on his apartment’s doorstep. “I think it’s awesome. Everything that’s been done since the rebuild is absolutely fantastic. Christchurch is one of the go-ahead cities of New Zealand right now.”
Construction is expected to begin in April next year, with completion targeted for the end of 2027. Te Kaha stadium is set to be finished in April 2026.
