Cassels chosen as hospo operator for old Dux premises

Thursday, 5 March 2026

Christchurch brewer and bar operator Cassels has signed a deal to open in the Arts Centre’s old Student Union / Dux de Lux building, but the move hangs on ratepayer backing.

The Arts Centre has launched a social media campaign lobbying for public support for more council heritage funding, with the promise of restoring the old building so it can be reopened.

Arts Centre director Philip Aldridge said $10 million of extra council funding would repair the building for a hospitality tenant they had already signed an agreement with.

“We are shovel ready, we have peer-reviewed plans, and we have a tenant who will open with live music, a brew bar, restaurant and beer garden.

“A grant from council would not only be an investment in the Student Union building, it would go a long way towards paying a sustainable pathway for the Arts Centre.”

Aldridge said commercial sensitivity precluded him from giving details of the rent and the chosen operator, but Cassels and Sons Brewery co-owner Zak Cassels confirmed it is them.

The family company is an established craft brewery and restaurant bar owner, and runs The Brewery at The Tannery shopping centre.

“We are excited about this opportunity. That whole Dux site is absolutely prime real estate, but it’s not a sure thing yet.

“I think we would do a good job of it.”

Cassels said if the project goes ahead, they would need to spend at least $2m to fit out the premises. Next year would be an “optimistic” opening date, he said.

Christchurch City Council gives the Arts Centre, which is owned by the public of Christchurch, $500,000 a year to help maintain and insure its 22 heritage buildings. Aldridge said rent from a brew bar on a long lease would be a huge help.

“We are fully tenanted, the place is buzzing, and we are breaking even. But we’ve got a huge financial challenge just trying to keep the place open,” Aldridge said.

Before the earthquakes, popular restaurant and bar Dux de Lux had occupied the building for over 30 years. Before that the building was used as a childcare centre.

As part of its budget planning, Christchurch City Council is seeking public submissions on raising rates to spend on four heritage buildings - the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Provincial Council Chambers.

The council says the cost of restoring all four would cost $290m, with the money coming from a range of sources. The council putting in money would increase rates, it says.

While the cathedral is owned by the Anglican diocese, the other three are publicly owned.

The consultation page on the council website gives people a chance to say how important the four are as a group, rather than individually.

The submission form is on the city council’s Kōrero mai / Let’s talk page until March 27 as part of its draft annual plan consultation.

The Arts Centre said last year it would prioritise repairs to the former student union building. It has already done 80% of its restoration work to fix, strengthen and reopen its earthquake-damaged buildings.

It previously received a $100,000 lottery grant to complete a feasibility study on getting the building reopened.

The brick former student union building is the only one on the site with a category 2 heritage listing. The others, including the unrepaired engineering buildings facing Worcester Bld, previously occupied by Court Theatre and Southern Ballet, are built from stone and have a category 1 listing.

Aldridge said while the engineering buildings are very important, they would cost $60m to restore and the student union project is within easier reach.

“This is a great plan. It’s about getting the city going again.”