Plan to replace Harley Chambers with new hotel

Friday, 28 June 2024

A computerised image of the new hotel proposed to replace the old Harley Chambers building at the corner of Worcester Blvd and Cambridge Tce in Christchurch.

Owners of the old Harley Chambers building in central Christchurch want permission to demolish it and put up an 11-storey hotel.

Local developer Citadel Property Ltd, which bought the quake-damaged heritage building last year, is seeking resource consent for the project from the city council.

The old Harley Chambers retains heritage protection, but that could be lifted.

The old building is on the corner of Worcester Bvd and Cambridge Tce. It was built between 1929 and 1939 as a dedicated medical and dental facility.

A bid by Citadel Property to have the building’s heritage designation lifted has been supported by a council planner, but changes to the plan are still to be finalised.

The new hotel would have about 200 rooms plus a restaurant, gym and reception area.

The hotel site is 200m from Cathedral Square. (Computerised image).

Its design has art deco and Chicago style influences, according to consent documents.

Citadel Property is owned by Michael Doig and Jonathan Lyttle, both of Christchurch.

This proposed hotel development by Lee Pee Ltd did not eventuate.

It is the second hotel proposal for the site.

Previous owner Lee Pee Ltd drew up a hotel plan which would have included two adjoining properties, including the brick Worcester Chambers building.

Harley Chambers was built between 1929 and 1934.

That plan did not eventuate after Lee Pee director Gerard McCoy died, and the property changed hands again.

The building is quake-prone and has been vacant since the earthquakes.

The development site is opposite the Avon River and just west of Cathedral Square. (Computerised image).

It has featured on the city council’s ‘Dirty 30’ list of sites considered a barrier to the rebuild of the city.

The land is considered a valuable development site as it is opposite the Avon River, 200 metres from Cathedral Square, and near the city’s new convention centre Te Pae.

Citadel Property has estimated it would cost between $25.4m and $27.8m to repair and save the building.

Another option would be to repair, strengthen and retain the facade only.

The company’s consent application attracted 33 submissions, of which 27 were in support. The application will now go to a planning hearing before a final decision is made.