Marriott International will bring its Sheraton hotel and resort brand to Christchurch at the historic site of the former Noah's Hotel.
The hotel originally built in the 1970s will be redeveloped into 240-room Sheraton Christchurch and will open in 2027, under an agreement with owner Emmons Developments New Zealand Limited.
The two groups of executives signed the deal at the Te Pae Convention Center before the start of the Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) on Tuesday, August 12.
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger announced the project in his opening speech at the conference.
Mayor Mog said: “Many of you will remember the hotel of Old Noah, which is indeed a landmark at that time.”
“This iconic website will be revitalized and become a world-class destination… [it will] Pay tribute to Christchurch's past and look to the future in a modern, meaningful way. ”
The mayor described the development as a major victory for the city's economy.
“It's a victory for business, tourism and our city,” he said.
Located in the heart of Christchurch Central Business District, next to the Te Pae Conference Centre, this hotel offers premium accommodation with community-centric spaces, a signature restaurant, rooftop bar, conference rooms, club lounge and fitness center.
Dalman Architects is designed by local architects and Sheraton Christchurch aims to be a five-star green star certification.
Sheraton Christchurch will honor Marriott International’s first hotel in the city and its third in New Zealand, joining the JW Marriott Hotel and joining 4 points at the Sheraton Branded Properties in Auckland.
“Sheraton is a global icon and Marriott International’s most prolific brand in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific (ANZP).
“So, Sheraton Christchurch will join 10 existing Sheraton hotels and resorts in our ANZP area, which is appropriate and recognizes Christchurch’s position as a primary travel destination for leisure and business travelers.”
Crawford said the new hotel will fill the gap in accommodation products in the city.
“With its excellent location and high-tech facilities, Sheraton Christchurch will be the core of the exciting re-invigorating Christchurch CBD,” he said.
“As a commercial hub, a major gateway to New Zealand’s South Island tourism industry and a major starting point for travel to Antarctica, Christchurch needs more internationally recognized accommodation and we are very confident that the Sheraton brand will help enhance Christchurch’s appeal as an indispensable destination.”
Owners Emmons Developments New Zealand Limited are led by Brett Russell of Russell Property Group and Ben Bridge of Mainland Capital representing multiple investors.
“Having a globally respected brand like Sheraton's commitment to this property is not only a strong recognition of the development itself, but also a demonstration of confidence in the future of the city,” said Ben Bridge, Mainland Capital Director.
“This collaboration will make a significant contribution to the riverside area of CBD and provide a significant boost to the tourism and hospitality of Christchurch.
“We believe this is an important step in the city’s ongoing transformation and its premier destination for travel, business events and conferences.”
Brett Russell, managing director of Russell Property Group, is pleased to strengthen the organization's relationship with Marriott International.
“We believe that successful long-term partnerships are key to success,” Russell said.
“We have worked with Marriott International as hotel operators on several properties and believe this appointment will further enhance the hotel’s ability to become a significant economic contributor to Christchurch and the region.”
Founded in 1937, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is the most global brand among Marriott Hotel Bonvoy Portfolio, with nearly 430 hotels in 70 countries.
Marriott International Hotel Development Director, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Tristan Cooper are confident that the brand will act as a travel brand.
“Before the pandemic, New Zealand was one of the highest performing destinations in Asia-Pacific, and from experience we know that new hotels with global hybrids have the ability to create new travel needs and we are confident in the situation at Sheraton Christchurch,” he said.
“We congratulate Russell Property Group and the Mainland Capital on assembled investors, capital and capacity to realize their landmark vision for the city of Christchurch.”
