Keep it, or sell it? Christchurch City Council considers future of $50m Lichfield car park

Monday, 10 November 2025

Christchurch residents are being encouraged to share their views on the future of the city council-owned Lichfield St car park.

The Christchurch City Council is seeking feedback on two options for the Lichfield St car park - retain ownership or sell the $50 million facility.

The council voted in June to seek public feedback on two options, with consultation opening today. .

Option one would see the council retain ownership of the car park, but change the operating model to improve its financial performance.

This might require raising fees, changing the mix between short and long term parking, or reducing services such as security or cleaning.

The second option would involve selling the car park, freeing up funds to invest in other infrastructure or community assets, or to reduce council debt.

Facilities and property head Bruce Rendall said the potential sale of the car park, which has a book value of $50 million, was raised during the council’s 2025-26 annual plan discussions.

“The car park is currently profitable, generating an operating surplus of approximately $1.5 million per year or a 3% return on investment. However, these are not the commercial returns expected, and it is appropriate to examine options for the car park’s future,” he said.

Lichfield St car park is not considered a strategic asset, and under council policy, such facilities should deliver commercial returns.

“Recent data indicates that prime industrial properties in Christchurch have yields around 5.5-6%, and retail properties can also see similar or higher returns depending on their location and tenants. The current 3% return falls short of this expectation.”

Slow start

The eight-storey, 805-park building opened in 2017 and cost $31.3m, which was $1m under budget. In 2018, The Press reported it was underutilised, with hundreds of car parks unused and the facility making a considerable loss for the council.

The Lichfield Street car parking building, in its early days, was half empty. (Video first published in early 2018)

Usage did improve, though the council said occupacy figures still fell slightly below the target, which may reflect the sheer availability of car parks in central Christchurch.

Average peak occupancy has ranged from 66% to 78% for the last three financial years.

Rendall said it was important the council understood the community’s views before making a final decision.

“We understand the car park has filled an important role since being built following the earthquakes. It has successfully supported the rebuild of the central city by providing short-term off-street parking for shoppers and visitors.

“Now we want Christchurch ratepayers to have a say on whether it remains a council asset with changes to the operating model to improve the return on investment or if they think it could be sold and that money used more beneficially elsewhere.”

If the council decides to sell, the building could only continue to be used for car parking, and fees would likely remain competitive to encourage ongoing use.

Currently, the daytime rate per hour or part thereof is $4.30, with a $16 all-day rate; and at night $3.80 with a $10 maximum.

The Crossing car park nearby on weekdays charges $4.50 for the first two hours, then $2 for every hour thereafter and a maximum of $20 a day ($17 for early birds). It has a $6 night rate and a weekend maximum of $8 for up to four hours.

Tū Waka Waipapa near Christchurch Hospital, operated by Wilson Parking, is $6 an hour (though the first 20 minutes are free) with all-day parking for $24 (early-birds $15) and a $10 night rate.

Public consultation on the future of the Lichfield St car park is open until Sunday, December 7.