Downtown: The development set to redefine Christchurch Central

‘Downtown Christchurch’ could be your ticket to New York city-style living.

If you have always fantasised about the life of Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, Mr. Big and their glamorous Fifth Avenue penthouse apartment, this might be your chance to live it. When Richard Peebles and Ben Owen of leading property development company Peebles Group asked themselves where they wished to live, work, and play, Downtown Christchurch was the result. The $130m cutting-edge multi-purpose precinct set for completion in October 2027 has been labelled as a development that will redefine the heart of the city.

Peebles Group CEO Richard Peebles says, “This development represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a thriving precinct.”
The signature high ceilings and expansive windows of a New York penthouse crafted the blueprint for the residential spaces, Richard says they are already “inundated” with people seeking a penthouse apartment. Combining a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces on a 13000m2 site, this precinct could be the initial building block for the city’s future. Business, leisure and living bundled into one central, connected space, “we’re building a community,” Richard explains.

Bounded by Cashel, Manchester and Lichfield Streets, the dynamic Downtown Christchurch will connect the highly-anticipated One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha to the thriving Cashel Mall. In one of Christchurch’s most sought-after locations, it’s not foolish to think this could become the
city’s hottest spot.

The development is poised to be a hub of urban energy, commerce, and community, designed to reflect Christchurch’s spirit of innovation and regeneration. Richard hopes it will come alive “night and day”, with world-class amenities, pedestrian-friendly laneways, green spaces, and curated retail and office experiences.

Distinct architecture will materialise across 20 buildings, with construction set to start in April 2026. The finished project is expected 18 months later.

DOWNTOWN CHRISTCHURCH BY NUMBERS

• 18 separate mixed-use multi-purpose buildings are expected on a 4800m2 site, each with a unique character of three or four levels.
• 23 penthouse apartments – the top floor of each building will offer a New York-style residential apartment with views spanning the CBD, Te Kaha, and more.
• 2 separate five level apartment buildings comprising 64 apartments will bookend the site.
• 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be available, designed for urban living with panoramic city views.