CBRE’s new central city office underlines confidence in Christchurch

CBRE’s Christchurch business has relocated into its new central city premises in CBRE House at 220 High Street.

The global real estate firm occupies the entire first floor of the newly completed two-level building, developed by Carter Group on the prominent High Street and Cashel Street corner. 

CBRE’s 50-strong Christchurch agency, research, and valuation & advisory staff, previously operating from separate buildings on Armagh Street and 222 High Street, are now united under one roof in the purpose-designed premises.

Tim Rookes, Managing Director of CBRE Christchurch, said the office’s official opening last week marks a significant milestone for the firm and cements its future in the heart of the CBD.

“Bringing our Christchurch teams together in CBRE House is the start of an exciting new chapter for our business. We are making a long term commitment to the Christchurch CBD, in a fantastic new space which provides excellent collaboration opportunities and space to grow.”

The new office also reflects CBRE’s commitment to sustainability. Workplace design specialists Unispace have delivered a fit-out designed to Green Star and NABERS standards, with post-completion certification under way from the New Zealand Green Building Council, said Rookes. 

“The sustainability credentials, flow, functionality and finish of the office space have exceeded expectations. We are thrilled with our new headquarters, which has energy-efficient design and future-focused features aligned with our global 2040 net zero goal.”

CBRE’s vote of confidence in the Christchurch CBD is reinforced by the increasing number of high quality infill developments, the presence of international retail brands and the upcoming completion of One NZ Stadium nearby, he said.

“The opening of our new building completes the post-earthquake rebuild of the High Street and Cashel Street corner. This area is now a powerful spot within the CBD precinct with several global retailers clustered here.”



The ground floor retail space in CBRE House is occupied by international retailer JD Sport, adding to the growing list of global brands located in the immediate area including H&M, Mecca, Sweaty Betty, LSKD and Denham.

Other adjacent developments include the recent completion of Carter Group’s retail building next to CBRE House (home to Sweaty Betty and Denham), Treshna Enterprises’ neighbouring office tower, and the construction of a new timber-framed office building by Anthony Leighs’ company, Portus, on the former Excelsior Hotel site on High Street.

CBRE’s office leasing team is also actively promoting the newly refurbished space in the ex-IRD building on Cashel Street, with leasing enquiries and activity progressing. 

The opening of the Sweaty Betty, Denham, JD Sport and LSKD stores - all of which are new entrants to the Christchurch retail scene - illustrates the high demand among international retailers for space in Christchurch, Rookes said.

“CBRE is working with several retailers who are looking for the right space in Christchurch and demand is such that successful brands are willing to pay higher rents to secure a presence in the CBD.”

The Christchurch CBD retail market is outperforming other markets in New Zealand, with high tenant demand and strong rent growth trends now well-established. Rents for prime CBD retail space have increased for the past six consecutive quarters, according to CBRE Research.