Calder Stewart to Develop Major Hoyts Cinema Complex in Christchurch CBD

Christchurch moviegoers will have a multiplex cinema in the central business district for the first time, following a deal negotiated with HOYTS by Calder Stewart Development assisted by Savills Real Estate.

Calder Stewart is to develop the three-level complex, which will offer seven movie screens and a ground floor dining precinct, on the Crown-owned site on the corner of Colombo, Lichfield and Tuam Streets, which is currently used as a car park.

Jonathan Lyttle, managing director of Savills in Christchurch, says the new development continues Calder Stewart’s positive contribution to the Christchurch rebuild, following the completion of the company’s latest major projects including the Kathmandu and Vodafone buildings in the Innovation Precinct.

The deal also signifies a vote of confidence in the central city rebuild from a heavyweight player in the international entertainment business, Lyttle says.

“It’s a real coup for the Christchurch CBD rebuild that we have been able to attract HOYTS to this key piece of central city land. The agreement brings firm plans for this cornerstone site adjacent to Ballantynes, the bus exchange and The Crossing. It’s another big piece in the central city rebuild jigsaw that we’re very pleased to have helped put in place.”

The fact that the HOYTS complex will be the first multi-screen cinema ever in Christchurch’s city centre is also very significant, as it completes the entertainment offering of the new CBD, Lyttle says.

“Along with the new central city retail precinct adjacent to this site, this cinema complex will complete the full-spectrum entertainment package in the new CBD. People will be able to come to the CBD for a vibrant work, live and play experience, with a full-service shopping, eating and entertainment offering all within the space of a few blocks.”

The new complex in itself will be a major drawcard for people to visit the rebuilt city centre, he says. “Multiplex cinemas have previously only been located in suburban malls, so we expect HOYTS’ plans will be welcomed by the people of Christchurch.”

The new development will include a food and beverage offering unlike anything else currently available in the city, Lyttle says. “The ground floor dining area will be inspired by some of the most popular food precincts in the world, providing a full range of eating options in attractive, well-designed and modern surroundings.”

Damian Keogh, CEO and President of The HOYTS Group, says the company is thrilled to be part of the rebuild of Christchurch. “We will be offering a sensational new cinema experience with exceptional value, quality and atmosphere to the New Zealand market, where it will be a one-stop shop for a highly entertaining trip to the movies.”

The new cinema will feature seven screens with state of the art Dolby Atmos sound, and every seat in every cinema will feature HOYTS’ new revolutionary powered recliners giving every guest the chance to experience movies in complete comfort. The complex is planned to include two HOYTS Xtremescreen auditoriums offering guests the biggest screen with the best sound, as well as the ultimate luxury with two HOYTS LUX auditoriums where guests can look forward to the best gourmet food and wine experiences, complete with a full bar and lounge to meet friends before or after the movie.