The iconic Amora Hotel in Wellington is finally set for a luxurious transformation. Closed since 2017 due to severe damage caused by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, the hotel has since stood vacant, frustrating many in the city. However, with redevelopment plans now in motion, this landmark is poised to reclaim its status as a luxury destination in the capital.

A Prominent Past, a Shaky Future

The Amora Hotel was once a cornerstone of Wellington’s hospitality scene, offering stunning harbour views and top-tier accommodation for tourists and business travellers. However, its closure following the earthquake left a void in the city’s accommodation options, and the surrounding area has stagnated due to ongoing structural safety concerns, particularly with the adjacent James Smith car park.

Primeproperty Group’s Vision

In 2018, Primeproperty Group purchased the Amora with ambitious plans to transform the property into a five-star hotel. While initial plans sparked excitement, progress stalled due to the extensive seismic work required. Primeproperty remains committed to redeveloping the site, with a focus on ensuring the building’s earthquake resilience before the luxurious makeover begins.

For years, the Amora Hotel’s proximity to the out-of-use James Smith car park hindered any progress. Now, both sites are under Primeproperty’s control, with exciting plans underway. The car park is already under construction, and Primeproperty’s director, Eharoni, revealed that the hotel is currently in the design phase, with redevelopment planned for the near future.

In addition, a long-vacant Wakefield Street site, once earmarked for a supermarket, is likely to be developed at the same time, creating further optimism for the city’s revival.

Primeproperty Group, known for high-profile commercial developments across New Zealand, intends to restore the Amora Hotel to its former prestige. The redevelopment will blend modern luxury with the hotel’s historic charm, offering a high-end experience for international visitors and locals alike.

Challenges Beyond Construction

While these developments offer hope for Wellington’s future, some argue that the city’s economic troubles won’t simply disappear with new buildings. Eharoni, for one, remains cautious, pointing to deeper issues affecting the capital. High commercial rates, a shrinking government presence, and the shift to remote work have all contributed to a depressed economy. As he puts it, “redeveloping these sites might not change the bigger picture.”

Mayor’s Comments on the Redevelopment

The redevelopment of the Amora Hotel has been closely watched by Wellington’s local government. Former Mayor Justin Lester highlighted the importance of revitalising the hotel, describing it as a key part of Wellington’s tourism landscape. “The Amora was a central part of Wellington’s hospitality sector,” Lester noted, stressing the economic benefits that a reopened, luxury Amora could provide.

Other voices, like former mayor Celia Wade-Brown, see redevelopment as part of a larger picture. She suggests that Wellington’s economic, environmental, and social wellbeing depend on improvements in public transport, converting office blocks to apartments, and completing Civic Square’s redevelopment.

On a similar note, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira’s Helmut Modlik and former Porirua mayor Nick Leggett believe the city first needs a clear vision of what it wants to be. They argue that once Wellington defines its identity, redevelopment plans will naturally fall into place.

A Call for Immediate Action

Not everyone shares this view. Ian Cassels, a developer behind key Wellington projects like Spark Central, believes the city must act now. “Leaving sites empty is like stabbing yourself in the face,” he says. Cassels argues that Wellington’s cultural and intellectual strengths still give it a unique edge over larger cities like Auckland and Christchurch, and immediate action can only help.

Seismic Strengthening: A Key Hurdle

The major obstacle delaying the hotel’s redevelopment has been the seismic strengthening of the neighbouring James Smith car park. Structural concerns have prevented any significant renovation work at the hotel, but project leaders expect this essential safety work to be completed by 2026. Only after these upgrades are finalised will the full-scale transformation of the Amora be able to proceed.

A Boost for Wellington’s Tourism

Once the Amora Hotel reopens, it is expected to feature luxurious, redesigned interiors and cater to high-end international and domestic travellers. Its prime location along Wellington’s waterfront makes it ideal for high-end events and conferences, while its history will appeal to those looking for a refined experience in the heart of the capital.

As the city continues to revitalise its tourism sector, the reopening of the Amora Hotel will provide a much-needed boost to Wellington’s hospitality industry. Locals and visitors alike look forward to the transformation of this iconic site.