Exclusive by James Wilkinson in Christchurch

The Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square has reopened in the heart of Canterbury’s capital, providing much-needed meeting space and hotel rooms in a city that continues to rebuild.

The property suffered damage in the devastating February 2011 earthquake and is located across the road from the city’s most prominent landmark, Christchurch Cathedral, a building that was at the heart of the quake that almost destroyed a city.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square welcomed its first guests on Monday (Aug 19) and the 13-storey building has added 154 rooms to the city’s accommodation bank as well as 250-sqm of meeting space in the form of six rooms.

Speaking exclusively to HM on camera at the hotel this morning (Aug 22), Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square General Manager, Carl Braddock, said meeting space has been at a premium in the city since February 2011 and there was significant demand coming from the MICE sector.

To view the exclusive interview, click on the YouTube image above.