Cathedral Square old post office to be transformed into world class destination

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 22, 2021 |

Photo: Screen shot from promotional video

Housed in the 140-year-old former Chief Post Office in Cathedral Square, The Grand has been part of the Christchurch for generations and now businessman Darin Rainbird has set up a crowdfunding campaign to help make it a ‘world class’ destination.

The complex will include an artisan French bakery, food court experience, visitor information centre, restaurants and bars and “one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor plazas.”


The Grand, Cathedral Square Photo: Facebook The Grand

The Grand will be the leased venue inside the Old Chief Post Office Building with access onto the Square.

The Grand will own and operate businesses occupying the leased building, but not the building itself.


The Grand chief executive Darin Rainbird Photo: Supplied

On the first floor there will be a ‘“bookable tasting experience.”

Darin Rainbird said “this will also double as our wine lounge for our entertainment focused restaurant, featuring private dining as well as function options and maybe even some baby opera.”


The Grand, Cathedral Square Photo: Facebook The Grand

“We will also have a fun and exciting pastry and bakery school show casing our own quality chefs as well as guest chef presenters.”

Retail will also feature throughout the complex with a focus on the arts.

Watch the video

“Canterbury artists from all disciplines will be featured with some interesting ideas on how to present our offerings.”

Darin Rainbird said “we want this project to be owned by the people of Canterbury for the people of Canterbury. From the outset this has been one of our underlying philosophies. We want it to be owned by this community.”

“Our upcoming crowdfunding campaign is your opportunity to become a founding investor of The Grand. Aside from having a vested interest in the commercial success of The Grand, there’ll also be amazing rewards for our investors.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION head to The Grand website.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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