Cityscape gets the low-down from the big names behind the central city’s residential developments.

Can you tell us about The Spire apartments? They’re made up of 29 apartments across four levels and sit on top of four floors of hotel rooms.

Are you optimistic about the central city real estate market? Yes, I am very optimistic about central city real estate. I'm meeting a lot of people who are wanting to give up the home in the suburbs and move into the city.

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What’s your five-second sales pitch for a central Christchurch apartment? Cut the commute and live above the city in luxury.

What kinds of people are you seeing move into these new homes? The Spire is mostly 50-plus couples from the suburbs wanting to spend less time maintaining their houses and more time entertaining in the city.

What is the central city’s greatest asset? I think with any city it is the people and it's no different here. We have a lot of great people doing amazing things across hospitality, retail and other businesses.

What’s your vision for what the city will become? I'd love to see lots of people living in the city and more large-scale projects like The Spire. The city has a lot to offer and now it just needs more people.

What’s your favourite central city neighbourhood and why? The north-west end of the city is my favourite, it's the closest to Hagley Park, the Art Gallery and has some great architecture. I'm biased because I'm selling a bit around there but I don't think that makes me wrong.

Why would you live here instead of the more traditional Christchurch ‘burbs? I often hear people saying there isn't any need to live in the CBD as Fendalton is only eight minutes away. A daily return trip over a year adds up to four days sitting in your car. Living in the city isn't just convenient; it's convivial and conducive to a better life.

thespire.co.nz