METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2024

by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Bars, high-end shops and businesses flock to CBD

Business

Duncan Weich

People are pouring back into central Christchurch as a slew of new restaurants, bars, and shops open.

Regenerate Christchurch chief executive Ivan Lafeta said the city was on its way to becoming an international centre with Cathedral Square at its heart with year-round activity, day and night.

Fourteen new businesses have opened across the CBD in 2017, with another 21 opening before the end of the year.

The H&M store in The Crossing development had particular success at the weekend, with lines stretching around the corner.

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People line up to get into the city's new H&M store at the weekend.

H&M said it had more than 10,000 people visit the shop.

Lafeta said three key factors were driving investment in the CBD. The signing of the Convention Centre contract, a decision to restore Christ Church Cathedral and improvements to public spaces. 

Four more businesses are set to open at The Crossing this month.