The Heritage Christchurch was formally reopened last week by New Zealand’s Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae (pictured).
Set in the 100-year-old Old Government Building (OGB) on Cathedral Square, the hotel sits in the heart of Christchurch and its official reopening marks an important step towards regenerating the local hospitality industry.
“The reopening of the Old Government Building is a potent symbol that Christchurch will be rebuilt, and that after the devastation and heartache of recent times, there is a brighter future ahead,” the Governor-General said.
The Heritage Christchurch has been a part of the Christchurch hospitality industry since its opening in 1996 in the site of the former Old Government Building.
The OGB, designed by Joseph Clarkson Maddison in an Italian Renaissance Palazzo style, opened in 1913 and is registered as a Category One Building on the Historic Places Trust register.
The building was awarded the Christchurch Heritage Trust Built Heritage Award in 2010 and the New Zealand Seismic Award 2012 in the Canterbury Heritage awards.
Sequestered behind the red zone cordon for two and a half years, the building recently emerged ready to welcome visitors after a loving restoration.
Hosting the event, Heritage Hotel Management managing director, Jeffrey Tang, acknowledged the importance of the hotel’s building as a part of Christchurch’s architectural heritage.
“We are delighted to celebrate Christchurch’s ‘Heritage’ and the reopening of our beautiful century old hotel building, restoring it to the city’s priceless inventory of working historic buildings. We are privileged guardians of Christchurch’s architectural legacy and look forward to being part of a vibrant hospitality business future for Christchurch,” said Mr Jeffrey Tang.
The luxurious Heritage Christchurch Hotel offers beautifully appointed one and two bedroom suites and a fully equipped health club with lap pool, sauna and jacuzzi. For bookings and information visit www.heritagehotels.co.nz