A historic opportunity has emerged after one of Christchurch’s most significant heritage buildings, positioned in the heart of the South Frame precinct, has been put on the market by the Canterbury Regional Council.
Colliers is the sole marketing agent for the exceptional offering at 117 and 125 Manchester Street and 214 Tuam Street, which centres on the former Odeon Theatre – a landmark property that represents one of the last remaining examples of 19th-century public architecture in the Christchurch CBD.
Courtney Doig, Director of Investment Sales at Colliers Christchurch, says this is a once-in-a-generation chance for visionary investors or heritage-minded developers.
“Buyers have multiple strategic options – from heritage restoration to mixed-use development incorporating residential, commercial, or hospitality elements,” Doig says.
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“All structural and engineering documentation is available for qualified purchasers with the expertise and ambition to return this magnificent building to its former glory.”
The high-profile corner site with three titles covers 1,611sq m of land fronting both Tuam and Manchester Streets.
Designed in 1883 by prominent architect Thomas Stoddart Lambert, the Odeon Theatre is a Category 1 heritage building. Originally conceived as a grand public hall and theatre, it has served over the decades as a vaudeville venue, cinema, and church.
The striking white stone facade with elegant Italianate detailing, entryway, and staircase have been carefully retained.
“These properties sit in the SALT District (an acronym for Saint Asaph, Lichfield, and Tuam Streets), a neighbourhood that is rapidly regaining its vibrancy through a number of high-profile public spaces, infrastructure, and mixed-use projects,” Doig says.
An ever-increasing number of entrepreneurs, artists, tech startups, designers and creatives have relocated to the SALT District within the Innovation Precinct.
Just blocks away rises One New Zealand Te Kaha Stadium, the multi-use arena set to open in 2026 and redefine the city’s cultural and sporting identity.
Recent completions nearby include the South Frame Greenway and Laneway Network, which delivered 20,000sq m of public areas between Tuam and Saint Asaph Streets, and the High Street upgrade enhancing pedestrian connectivity.
Also bordering Manchester Street is the planned Downtown mixed-use complex being built by the Peebles Group.
Major infrastructure works surrounding the stadium are nearing completion, with improved water and wastewater systems, footpaths, landscaping, and street lighting slated to finish by late 2025.
The Central City Mixed Use zoning provides flexibility for various development approaches subject to consents, while the ability to provide on-site parking adds further appeal in this sought-after precinct.
These properties are offered for sale collectively on an ‘as is, where is’ basis via deadline private treaty, closing on Thursday 4 December, unless sold prior.
- Supplied by Colliers
