Christchurch landmark building derelict for 15 years demolished for high-rise hotel
A near-century-old Christchurch landmark is being demolished to make way for a new high-rise hotel on the banks of the Avon River.
Harley Chambers, a three-storey commercial building, was constructed in 1929 and extended five years later at 137 Cambridge Terrace.
It was purpose-built to house dentists and doctors and continued to accommodate many practices until it was compromised by the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011. The building has remained unoccupied since.
The derelict Harley Chambers building before the demolition began. Photo / Martin Hunter
The building is owned by Cambridge 137 Ltd, which plans to build a 42m-high hotel on the corner site with 11 floors and 200 rooms. The hotel will overlook the Avon River to the east and will have trams passing every 10-20 minutes throughout the day.
The new hotel had initially been marketed by Bayleys, with a suggested completion date of Q4, 2028.
Demolition has begun on Christchurch's historic Harley Chambers building at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Worcester St. Photo / Anna Heath
Harley Chambers had been considered by several developers for restoration but was deemed too expensive. The former Historic Place Category 2 building had its protection removed in 2024.
Cambridge 137 Ltd could not be reached for comment.
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