Bangalore Club returning to Christchurch

Christchurch's Bangalore Polo club is returning to the city.

The renowned Bangalore Polo Club, which fell victim to the February 2011 earthquake, is returning to Christchurch and has signed a lease in Antony Gough's $150 million The Terrace development.

Bangalore is taking a 327 sq m floor area at street level, plus an outdoor dining area facing Avon River.The announcement follows news that well-known Auckland restaurateur Tony Astle is leasing three conjoined spaces in The Terrace.

Retail specialist Nick Doig of Colliers International, says that interest in The Terrace is extremely strong and he's about to sign two more high-end hospitality offerings - a rooftop bar by a proven North Island operator and an international offering with a highly successful track record.

"It's great to see so many top operators embracing The Terrace to create a fantastic hospitality cluster. The fundamentals have always stacked up and will continue to do so for The Terrace as a top destination in the city," Doig says.

Bangalore originally opened its doors on Oxford Tce in what was formerly known as The Strip in late 2009, creating a stir with its heavily themed Indian colonial interiors. Dealt a fatal blow 18 months later, it moved to Wellington, opening in Courtenay Place where it had already negotiated a lease to expand into the capital.

Gough says he's delighted to welcome Bangalore to The Terrace.

"They were a one of my key tenants along The Strip before the earthquakes and it's fantastic to have them back showing their commitment to the central city in a bigger space. I'm absolutely thrilled that they're returning - bigger, brighter and better than ever before."

Gough says construction has recommenced on The Terrace.

Louis Vieceli, who heads Vieceli Hospitality Ltd (VHL) with wife Lynda, says Bangalore had always wanted to re-establish in the Christchurch CBD.

"Antony was our landlord previously and we'd always found him good to work with. We kept the dialogue going with him and just needed to wait until we had all of our ducks in a row to make it viable. We firmly believe in The Terrace and its pivotal role in the city's new hospitality scene. "

Vieceli said there were several considerations that swayed the decision.

"Location and foot traffic are the most important things to factor in when choosing a site. Successful hospitality is about seven-day trade. We're quietly optimistic that this area of the CBD is going to be very good. The river is Christchurch's waterfront and we're delighted to be able to be part of this new precinct. There's a lot of positive things happening in the vicinity, with the construction of the ANZ Centre, The Crossing and the Justice and Emergency Services Precinct."

He says that Bangalore would refine its look while staying true to its identity and is reviewing its food proposition. The new operation was likely to open in a year.

Commenting on the Christchurch City Council's proposed local alcohol policy (LAP) to curb licensing hours in the city, Vieceli said he hoped that "common sense" would prevail.

In Christchurch, VHL also owns The Turf in Parklands and Avonhead Tavern, and their respective One Good Horse restaurants.