Marriott International is set to bring its Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand to life in Christchurch at the historic site of the former Noah’s Hotel.

Under an agreement with owners Emmons Developments New Zealand Limited, the hotel, originally built in the 1970s will be redeveloped as a 240-room Sheraton Christchurch, slated to open in 2027. Executives from both groups signed the deal at Te Pae Convention Centre on Tuesday August 12, prior to the commencement of the Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE). The Mayor of Christchurch, Phil Mauger, announced the project in his opening remarks at the conference.

“Many of you will remember the old Noah’s hotel, it really was a landmark of its time,” Mayor Mauger said. “That iconic site will be revitalised 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 major win for the city’s economy. “It’s a win for business, for tourism and our city,” he said.

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Located in the heart of Christchurch’s Central Business District, adjacent to the Te Pae Convention Centre, the hotel will feature premium accommodation, community-focused spaces, a signature restaurant, rooftop bar, meeting rooms, a club lounge, and fitness centre. Designed by local architects, Dalman Architects Sheraton Christchurch is targeting five-star Green Star certification. Sheraton Christchurch will mark Marriott International’s first hotel in the city, and its third in New Zealand, joining JW Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton branded properties in Auckland. “Sheraton is a global icon and Marriott International’s most prolific brand in the Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific (ANZP) region,” said Marriott International’s Vice President Hotel Development, ANZP, Richard Crawford.

“It is therefore fitting that Sheraton Christchurch will join 10 existing Sheraton hotels and resorts in our ANZP region, recognising Christchurch’s status as a premier travel destination for leisure and business travellers.” Crawford said the new hotel will fill a gap in the city’s accommodation offering. “With its prime location and hi-tech facilities, Sheraton Christchurch will be the centrepiece of the exciting reinvigoration of Christchurch’s CBD,” he said. “As a commercial hub, the major gateway for tourism on New Zealand’s South Island, and the main departure point for travel to Antarctica, Christchurch has a need for more internationally recognised accommodation, and we are very confident that the Sheraton brand will help elevate Christchurch’s appeal as a must-visit destination.”

Owners Emmons Developments New Zealand Limited is led by Brett Russell of Russell Property Group and Ben Bridge of Mainland Capital on behalf of multiple investors. “To have a globally respected brand like Sheraton commit to this property is not only a strong endorsement of the development itself, but also a sign of growing confidence in the city’s future,” said Mainland Capital Director, Ben Bridge. “This collaboration will make an important contribution to the CBD’s riverside precinct and provide a significant boost to Christchurch’s tourism and hospitality offering.

“We see this as an important step in the city’s ongoing transformation and its positioning as a premier destination for travel, business events and conventions.” Russell Property Group Managing Director, Brett Russell, is pleased to be strengthening the group’s relationship with Marriott International. “We see successful, long-term partnerships as a key to success,” said Russell. “We’ve worked with Marriott International as a hotel operator across several properties and are confident this appointment will further boost the hotel’s ability to be a key economic contributor to both Christchurch and the region.” Established in 1937, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is the most global brand in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, with nearly 430 hotels across 70 countries. Marriott International’s Director of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Tristan Cooper, is confident that the brand will act as a tourism drawcard. “Prior to the pandemic, New Zealand was one of Asia Pacific’s highest performing destinations, and from experience, we know that new hotels with global cachet have the power to create new travel demand, and we feel confident that will be the case with Sheraton Christchurch,” he said. “We congratulate Russell Property Group and Mainland Capital for assembling the investors, capital and capability to deliver on their landmark vision for Christchurch city.”