Property developer Lilly Cooper has been the driving force behind several major city projects, including hip boutique retail centre The Colombo. She tells Cityscape what she has planned for 2020, and how a health scare has given her a new perspective on life.

You made your name in Christchurch as a property developer – what have been some of your more interesting and challenging projects? Moorhouse Ave Countdown – that’s because supermarkets are notoriously hard to build. The Colombo in Sydenham was challenging – we went unconditional on purchasing it the day before the first earthquake. And Hotel Montreal as well – the five-storey building sank into the ground from the earthquakes and we needed to completely lift it.

Do you have any projects on the cards for 2020? Yes, my peony project! I have purchased a very large paddock of the most beautiful pink peonies, which will have thousands of blooms. In November we will have Peony Month at The Colombo, where I would love people to come from all over town to see the beautiful displays and learn a little bit about peonies and floristry. Also, I’ve got three large retail developments on the go but I can’t talk about them.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about? Travel; Europe; beautiful large wooden boats; weekends in Akaroa; and gardening with my hens scratching around me.

You had a health scare recently – do you want to tell us about that? Yes, I have battled with cancer and I have a new perspective on life. At any age you have to be clear about your future and how you are going to get there. My attitude now is don’t stress, it could be worse.

What’s your favourite guilty pleasure? Chocolate.

Four essential things in your handbag? Lipstick, leather pencil case, chewing gum and a Moleskine diary.

Have you read any good books lately? Yes, The Land Gardeners: Cut Flowers, by Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld. It inspired me to plant flowers, and the photography is amazing. After reading it I went and bought the peonies.

What excites you about Christchurch in the summer? Watching my son, George, play polo throughout the summer.

What are you binge-watching at the moment? The Crown and anything on SoHo television.

You’ve got friends coming from out of town. Where do you go and what would you do to show off the city in – two hours: The Colombo, and lunch at Hotel Montreal in the courtyard. A half-day: Hagley Park, a walk around our beautiful new city, and Miro for lunch. 24 hours: Akaroa.

Where do you go to – Wine and dine with friends: The Athens Yacht Club in Victoria Street. Morning coffee: Rona’s in Akaroa at the weekend, with the newspaper. Shop up a storm: The Colombo – it has everything. Get away from it all: Europe.