Height restrictions could threaten Christchurch hotel development
Proposed height restrictions for buildings in Christchurch could threaten the viability of new hotel developments, hotel industry representatives have said.
The New Zealand Hotel Council’s (NZHC) submission to Christchurch City Council’s (CCC) draft Central City Plan raises serious concerns regarding the proposed height restrictions for the city.
“For hotels these restrictions will have a profound economic impact on the viability of any future new hotel developments. Return on investment under the new constraints would be significantly diminished, as fewer rooms would be able to be accommodated on an average sized site,” said NZHC Christchurch Regional Chair, Bruce Garrett.
NZHC said it applauded the CCC for the effort that had gone into producing the Draft City Plan, in exceptional circumstances, but noted that the proposed height limits, parking restrictions and issues around road front accessibility did not take into consideration the unique way hotels operated.
“The special nature of hotel operations needs to be recognised,” said Garrett. “Guests can’t be expected to walk any length of distance with luggage or conference materials and hotels must be able to provide on-site carparking and have adequate set back from the road to eliminate any traffic congestion with tour coaches and passengers disembarking.”
Rebuilding the convention centre as quickly as possible within the city centre is high on the list of priorities for NZHC Christchurch members, as is the development of a so-called ‘corridor of normality’ within the central city.
“Hotels based within the CBD (central business district) need reassurance that once they reopen visitors will be able to come back into the city and that there will be activities for them to enjoy,” Garrett added.
The Earthquake Centre development was also strongly supported by NZHC members, who saw this as an important tourism asset and a landmark for Christchurch.
Prior to the February earthquake, NZHC Christchurch members operated 3,717 rooms across 27 properties. Currently 854 of those rooms are operational across just eight properties.
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