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Mainland Capital and Russell Property Group are pleased to announce they have signed a hotel management agreement with Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) to operate the iconic Noah’s Hotel redevelopment in Christchurch under the globally recognised Sheraton Hotels and Resorts brand.
The Sheraton Christchurch is set to open in mid-2027 and will become a transformative hospitality destination – reimagining a landmark site with bold architectural vision and vibrant public spaces that invite connection and community. This milestone marks a significant chapter in Christchurch’s ongoing regeneration and reinforces world-class destination status for leisure and business travel.
Located beside Te Pae Convention Centre and with frontage to the Avon River, the $150m-plus development, will deliver much-needed premium accommodation and hospitality to the heart of the city.
Mainland Capital director Ben Bridge says securing Marriott International as the hotel operator represents a major milestone for the development.
“Partnering with a world-class hospitality brand like Sheraton validates both our vision for this project and Christchurch’s emergence as a destination for leisure and corporate travel.
“Sheraton Christchurch will bring renewed vibrancy to the city’s riverside precinct and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences for both guests and the public.
Russell Property Group managing director Brett Russell, emphasised the value of strong partnerships in delivering successful developments.
“Our long-standing relationship with Marriott International has been built on trust and a shared commitment to excellence. With their operational expertise behind this flagship property, we’re confident Sheraton Christchurch will become a cornerstone of the local hospitality landscape and deliver substantial economic benefits to the Canterbury region.”
The hotel is owned by Emmons Developments New Zealand Limited a consortium of NZ equity investors, led by a joint venture between Mainland Capital and Russell Property Group. Heading up the development is Ben Bridge of Mainland Capital and Brett Russell of Russell Property Group who bring complementary expertise to the project.
In collaboration with Dalman Architects and Nic Graham & Associates Interior Design Studio, Sheraton Christchurch will feature 240 premium guest rooms and suites across 14 storeys. Additional amenities include a signature restaurant, rooftop bar with panoramic views, club lounge, event spaces and a wellness-focused fitness centre. Designed to honour the past while embracing the future, the hotel will reflect both international standards and the distinct character of Christchurch.
Construction is underway with demolition and now strengthening completed, creating an A-Grade structure to meet Sheraton’s global brand standards and New Zealand’s stringent building code requirements.
Marriott International vice president of hotel development Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Richard Crawford says the addition of Sheraton Christchurch reinforces the brand’s regional strength.
“Sheraton is our most established brand in the Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific region, and Sheraton Christchurch will join a regional portfolio of ten existing hotels and resorts.
“With its central location and world-class facilities, the hotel will play a key role in Christchurch’s CBD revitalisation. As the South Island’s primary tourism gateway and the departure point to Antarctica, the city is ready for more globally recognised accommodation, and Sheraton Christchurch will deliver that.”
Established in 1937, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is the most global brand in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, with nearly 430 hotels in more than 70 countries. As the first international hotel brand to enter many destinations worldwide, Sheraton has long been recognised as a symbol of hospitality excellence and a timeless space where people and communities come together.
This will be Marriott International’s third hotel in New Zealand, joining the JW Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton properties in Auckland.
