Travel Site

As Christchurch starts to rebuild its city from quakes earlier this year, proposed height restrictions for buildings in the CBD could threaten the feasibility of new hotel developments.

The New Zealand Hotel council’s (NZHC) recent submission to the Christchurch City Council (CCC) raises its concerns reading the height restrictions.

NZHC Regional Chair Bruce Garrett said the hotel height restrictions will have an economic effect on the viability of future hotel projects as fewer rooms would be able to be accommodated on an average sized site.

Whilst NZHC congratulated the CCC on the delivery of the draft city plan, it also recognised that the proposed height limits, parking restrictions and issues around road front accessibility didn’t take into account the ways in which hotels operate.

“The special nature of hotel operations needs to be recognised, guests can’t be expected to walk with luggage or conference materials and hotels must be able to provide on-site car parking and have adequate set back from the road to eliminate any traffic congestion with tour coaches and passengers disembarking.” Mr Garrett said.

At the top of the list of priorities for NZHC is the construction of a new convention centre as it is the key to restoring business tourism and a “corridor of normality” in the city.

“Hotels based within the CBD 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.”