Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre confirmed for Arts Centre

Christchurch’s i-SITE Visitor Centre is moving to the Arts Centre’s Boys’ High building in spring, with surrounding spaces to be devoted to a range of specialty retailers.

Owned and operated by Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism, the i-SITE currently attracts 250,000 visitors each year in its temporary location in the Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue.

The new 170 sqm i-SITE space at the Arts Centre is three times the size of the current i-SITE and will also be home to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Vic Allen says the i-SITE is the first port of call for many visitors to Christchurch and the South Island, and is expected to attract over 280,000 visitors in the 2016-17 season.

“Our dynamic new i-SITE promises to give both domestic and international visitors a complete visitor experience, and we are delighted to be working with DOC to offer the combined expertise of the i-SITE and DOC teams in one location,” he says.

“The design of the i-SITE introduces locals and visitors to the city’s diverse landscape and the many layers of cultural values and stories embedded in it.”

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism has worked with Ngāi Tūāhuriri’s Matapopore Charitable Trust to integrate striking cultural elements in to the design, including a narrative journey depicted in art and signage throughout the centre.

Arts Centre Chief Executive André Lovatt says the i-SITE is a natural fit for Worcester Boulevard given its proximity to numerous tourist destinations, including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery and the Botanic Gardens.

“Attracting locals to the site remains our primary focus and, given our location, it’s ideal to have the city’s official i-SITE here. It will generate an enormous amount of foot traffic for the Arts Centre, and help to make Boys’ High a great opportunity for other specialty retail tenants.”

Boys’ High will open in stages, with the i-SITE and other ground floor businesses opening first, followed by the spaces on the first floor and mezzanine level.

The Arts Centre is currently seeking proposals for all other available spaces within the heritage-listed, two storey Boys’ High building. A café operator is being sought, along with creative industries that have a specialty retail focus, such as fashion, locally produced products, food and galleries.

To make an enquiry about leasing space in Boys’ High, please visit www.artscentreleasing.co.nz

ENDS

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