Novotel Christchurch Out of the Red Zone

3 July 2013: Christchurch has reclaimed its CBD following the removal of the Red Zone cordon on Sunday. Locals thronged Cathedral Square to mark the end of the cordon around the city centre, which was originally 387 hectares, and can now roam free for the first time since February 2011.

Now the soon-to-open Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square stands resplendent in the Square and hotel management thanked the New Zealand Defence Force on the momentous day for their service and support following the earthquake.

The 154-room hotel with conference and function centre, now stands sentinel over the crumbling Cathedral macabre as it may seem, offering the best views of the iconic ruins. The Cathedral still stands awaiting a hotly debated re-build plan.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square was the city’s newest hotel when the earthquake struck in February 2011, and while many of the buildings around the hotel had to be demolished, the Novotel sustained only minor structural – although considerable interior – damage.

General Manager of Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Carl Braddock, says “Believe it or not, people want to see what’s happened and what is happening in the Square. People want to see the Cathedral ruins. A company has been operating Red Zone tours for many months now attesting to a poignant interest in the re-developing city.

“It’s just fantastic to have our city’s heart beating again, even while the rebuild still continues. As we approach the re-opening of the Novotel next month we have ever growing confidence in the city’s tourism future,” concluded Mr. Braddock.

The Novotel staff have erected a sign thanking the New Zealand Army, Regional Council and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery for keeping Christchurch safe, and welcoming back new visitors both from New Zealand and overseas.

The hotel is scheduled to re-open on Monday 19 August and will have an official opening ceremony on the anniversary of the first earthquake on 4 September.

ENDS

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