Council Denies Assistance, As City Leaders Deny Knowing The Grand's Impending Failure

The Christchurch City Council will not provide a loan to embattled The Grand development. The project faces a complete collapse, after it lost access to the worksite in the old Post Office building on The Square.

On a site closed since the Canterbury Earthquakes, it was promised to deliver “a world-class destination for our world-class city, complete with an artisan French bakery, people-focused food court experience, visitor information centre, iconic restaurants, and bars and one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor plazas.”

Hien Bushell and Darin Rainbird (from left)

The old Post Office Building

Developer Darin Rainbird had told The NZR the development would bring in more than $15 million a year. He insisted that this was a conservative estimate.

The NZR approached city leaders during a break in their schedule and asked them about the predicament that they face.

Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter was bewildered by the news and suggested talking to the Therese Arseneau, Christchurch NZ Holding’s board chair.

She struggled to remember The Grand development and then refused to comment, citing her impending departure from the role.

Councillor Yani Johanson was surprised and said he had not been told. He said he had or would seek staff advice.

An unnamed elected official, after struggling to recall The Grand project, later said councillors had been told to steer clear of the project, because of its commercially-sensitive nature. They said the “vultures” would circling this development and indicated a group of individuals controlled the central city.

Acting Chief Executive Mary Richardson also expressed surprise and during discussions encouraged an approach from the embattled couple.