An iconic survivor of the 1930s era restored to modern standards is on the market in Christchurch, offering investors the chance to own a trophy asset in the central city.
The former Midland Club at 176 Oxford Terrace was constructed in 1934 in the renaissance palazzo style and designed by noted Christchurch architecture firm Collins and West.
Courtney Doig, Director of Investment Sales at Colliers Christchurch, says the attention to detail and finishing of the building’s restoration is exceptional, making it truly one of a kind.
“We don’t have very many buildings left in the central city with a combination of heritage character and modern structural performance,” Doig says.
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“Because it’s so unique, we expect interest from around the country. It’s the kind of asset that comes with genuine emotional pull as well as investment fundamentals – a true Christchurch icon.”
The building is leased across four levels to an established, multi-tenant mix.
Longstanding occupants, restaurant Miro and premier menswear brand Crane Brothers, are on the ground floor, alongside Naveya & Sloane Jewellery and Four Avenues on the upper levels.
One Level 2 suite remains vacant, presenting an extraordinary owner-occupier opportunity within an otherwise income-producing asset.
Sitting directly on the river and beside the new Sheraton Christchurch, which is currently under construction, the property has a prominent address.
“It has a sun-drenched north-west aspect and is just steps from Te Pae (Convention Centre) and Cathedral Square. This is genuinely a heart-of-the-city position and that’s only going to become more valuable as the Sheraton nears completion and the precinct keeps activating,” Doig says.
Colliers Christchurch General Manager and Investment Sales Broker Mark Macauley, who is marketing 176 Oxford Terrace with Doig, says Canterbury’s continued economic momentum through mid-2026 is boosting the region’s investment appeal.
Local investors remain committed, national commercial property groups want in on Christchurch’s resurgence, and people want to live and visit here.
“It’s not just one sector carrying the region – it’s jobs, exports, tourism, construction, and business confidence all moving in the same direction at once,” Macauley says.
A booming labour market is leading the charge, according to ChristchurchNZ's latest briefing.
Unemployment fell to 3.6 per cent, its lowest since 2023, and Canterbury posted the country’s fastest growth in job advertisements.
Business locations expanded at more than double the national rate, exports hit a five-year high, and tourism remained robust, with visitor arrivals up 21 per cent and accommodation occupancy well above the national average.
Manufacturing is strengthening and building consents jumped 35 per cent, pointing to a resilient economy despite global uncertainty.
“When unemployment is falling this fast and we’re driving 30 per cent of the country’s job growth, that tells you Canterbury is punching well above its weight. It’s an exciting time to be investing in this region,” Macauley says.
For those seeking character and return, the former Midland gentlemen’s club is one of only a handful of multi-storey brick heritage buildings still standing.
The post-earthquake restoration carried out meticulously by Club Lane Ltd preserved many of the building’s features.
Heart rimu panelling and flooring, coffered ceilings, and carved detailing sit alongside substantial fireplaces, thick brick walls, and stained glass windows. Original light fittings and the caged lift remain in place.
The property is offered for sale by auction to be held at 10am on Thursday 17 September at the Colliers Auction Room, Building 1, Level 1, 181 High Street, Christchurch, unless sold prior.
- Supplied by Colliers
