Business South August 2021

20 | Centro Group REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT D iscerning travellers seeking that extra level of service, comfort and style will soon be able to book into Christchurch’s new boutique luxury hotel, The Mayfair, opening on Victoria Street in March 2022. The five-storey hotel, now taking shape on the corner of Victoria and Dorset Street, will add 70 luxurious rooms, a cocktail bar, café, meeting rooms and conference facilities to this strategically important part of the city. Project developers Centro Roydvale bought the site in 2018 and considered a number of options before deciding on a hotel to address a projected significant shortfall of hotel rooms in the city. Council consent was gained in 2019 but the project was then paused because of COV- ID-19 and its associated uncertainties. With trans-Tasman travel slowly getting back on track and vaccinations steadily rising, The May- fair is now full steam ahead for 2022. Centro Roydvale’s team – director Glen Stapley and Christchurch businessman Andrew O’Neil – have a strong track record in construction and project management in the city, having completed both the Christchurch Mitsubishi and BMW buildings on Moorhouse Avenue. Having a new luxury hotel like this on Victo- ria Street from 2022 ties in well with the city’s new convention centre, Te Pae, which will open for business this October. Construction of the new $473 million multi-functional arena in central Christchurch is also due to start next year. The Mayfair will be a very welcome addition that will add to the city’s appeal as a quality destination by providing a place where people can come to relax and be pampered. Three types of rooms will be offered: suites, double kings, and kings. Generously sized and secure with state of the art technology, the well-appointed rooms will offer premium comfort and style. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure high standards will be met from fire safety and security through to acoustic perfor- mance and service management. A conservation conscious power manage- ment system, run through reception, will en- sure this building will operate very efficiently. Externally, the hotel’s concrete and fascia finish – softened by large windows, external lighting and signage - will bring a strong and confident aesthetic to Victoria St. At entry, Oamaru bluestone will flow through from street to reception, before giving way to elegant marble. The building will include an impressive six metre tall atrium and retail spaces for lease. “Top of our design brief was to maximise the number of rooms with views and take ad- vantage of the north-facing aspect,” says Glen. “The top floor rooms all have floor to ceil- ing windows and balconies, and most of the other rooms have a Juliet balcony for natural air flow.” Victoria St is seen as a perfect location for a top end hotel such as this. The location is a little quieter than the heart of the CBD but central city attractions are still within easy walking distance. The area is undergoing transformation with a new Ryman retirement complex also planned. Victoria Street has recently been upgraded and the streetscape improved. “Victoria Street is on track to become one of the better streets in Christchurch. This city “Top of our design brief was to maximise the number of rooms with views and take advantage of the north- facing aspect.” Luxury hotel on track for Victoria St T Kim Newth itself is back on the map and we’re proud to be a part of its reinvigoration.” Rather than having its own dinner service, The Mayfair will refer guests to nearby restau- rants with easy chargeback arrangements in place. “This is all about reconnecting with the street and not competing with the street, and the other operators are very appreciative of that.” The hotel’s café and cocktail bar will also be very street-focussed and branded inde- pendently to encourage wider patronage. The Mayfair site was previously occupied by a Spagalimis pizza restaurant, before the Christchurch earthquakes came along and wrecked the building. Ensuring the land is seismically strong enough for a new hotel has been a core priority. “In total, 484 stone columns - nine metres deep - have been put in across the site,” says Glen. “The Mayfair has also been designed with massive foundations that are 1.2m deep.” The project’s structural engineering needs are being met by highly regarded consulting engineers, ENGCO. The Mayfair’s architectural design is by Tim Field of NNC Design, whose expertise has shaped other successful projects by Centro Group. Miles Construction started building the new hotel in January 2021. • BALUSTRADES • HANDRAILS • POOL FENCES • WINDBREAKS COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL - PRODUCER STATEMENTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST P: 03 366 5511 | 185a Wordsworth St, Sydenham info@canterburybalustrade.co.nz www.canterburybalustrade.co.nz Proud to be associated with Armitage Williams - Sir William Pickering Qualified and experienced staff providing a personalised service and high quality technical advice. 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