Hospitality and retail establishments will soon to be breathing life into Lyttelton’s west side waterfront, following the commitment of successful Christchurch investors The Peebles Group to the Woolstore development at Te Ana Marina.

The Peebles Group is headed by Richard Peebles and has played a major role in the revitalisation of Christchurch’s city centre. The Group will bring its trademark innovation to The Woolstore development.

The Woolstore’s rustic character offers 720 square metres of ground floor space and features expanse views over the marina, plentiful onsite car parking as well as a pedestrian link connecting Te Ana Marina to Lyttelton.

Some of the Peebles Group’s city developments undertaken with his partners Mike Percasky and Kris Inglis, include the vibrant Little High restaurant complex and the soon to be opened Riverside farmers’ market and Riverside retail complex.

Richard Peebles says he is looking forward to bringing central-city style hospitality and retail vibrancy to the unique waterfront site.

“I just love this building and the waterfront position overlooking the amazing new marina is incredible.  Where else in Christchurch do you get a view like this?  Lyttelton has so much history and potential, you look out over this world class marina you can almost see the shadow of the first four ships lying at anchor out there.

“LPC have done a great job with the new marina and the precinct development, the potential here is huge.”

Lyttelton Port Company Chief Executive Peter Davie says The Woolstore development will once again open up Lyttelton’s Harbourside for public use.

“Te Ana Marina has already started this process, and the Woolstore is the next stage of making the harbour a place where people can connect and enjoy the waterfront.

“We’re excited to see the buzz of restaurants and retail in Lyttelton. Almost all of the 170 floating berths at Te Ana Marina are leased, meaning the Woolstore will already benefit from a captive audience of marina users.

“We are delighted to work with Richard who is a well-respected investor and known for his creative approach to his developments.”

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Banks Peninsula Ward Andrew Turner welcomed the announcement.

“This announcement represents further positive progress at Te Ana Marina. The community has been impressed with the development of the new facilities and the long awaited public waterfront access which Te Ana provides,” said Mr Turner.

“This latest development, announced today, will lead to the opening of businesses which can only enhance the Te Ana experience for visitors and users. I look forward to seeing this area thrive as an excellent addition to Lyttelton’s existing offering in a way that will attract more visitors to both Lyttelton and the Harbour,” Andrew Turner says.

Richard Peebles sees The Woolstore as an exciting opportunity for a multi-use waterfront retail and hospitality development. “We have opportunities available for hospitality, small office and retail tenants with amazing marina views and waterfront location. Achieving a diverse tenant mix will make The Woolstore an all-day vibrant destination, which will become a popular spot for tourists, the Lyttleton residents and our local Christchurch visitors to gather and enjoy.”

The Peebles Group’s vision for The Woolstore includes small diverse retail activities, a local bar and restaurant, a gym which could have spin classes on the promenade, as well as small offices with unrivaled views.

“Our plans are being finalised and we are looking forward to engaging with prospective tenants over the coming weeks. We will be commencing building work very shortly,” said Mr Peebles.