Facilities  |  22 Jul 2019

Want to run a café alongside Christchurch’s newest visitor attraction?

Christchurch City Council is looking for a private operator to lease the new café that is being built as part of the hot water pools complex in New Brighton.

There will be five pools in the complex, ranging from 25 to 40 degrees in temperature, plus a cold water plunge pool, steam and sauna facilities.

Development Christchurch Limited (DCL) is overseeing the development of the multimillion-dollar complex, which is aimed at helping regenerate New Brighton. Once complete, the hot pools are expected to draw about 75,000 people a year to the seaside suburb.

“The pools are going to be a unique drawcard and great for New Brighton,’’ says Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox.

“They are going to draw people from around the city, the country and the world so the café that is going to be part of the complex is a great business opportunity.  It will have indoor and outdoor seating and a prime beachfront location.

“We are looking to lease the café to an experienced operator with a proven track record in the hospitality industry and a passion for providing great food and customer service.  We want the café to become a real asset for the area,’’ Mr Cox says.

Anyone interested in the opportunity to run the café can download the Request for Proposal documents via the Government Electronic Tender Service website. Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday 4 September.

The hot pools are due to open early in 2020.

DCL Chief Executive Rob Hall says contractors have been working on site since February and work on the pool complex is progressing well.

“The hot pools will be a great boost for New Brighton when they open early next year. Alongside our work on the new playground, public realm improvements and revitalisation of the commercial centre, they will be a catalyst for growth and activity in the seaside suburb,’’ Mr Hall says.