In a new partnership, the Courtney Place cinema complex will be a base for gym CityFitness, alongside the cinemas, retail stores, and hospitality outlets.
Developers Primeproperty group say CityFitness will be on the ground floor of the building to be renamed as “The Court”.
The group also said it had been awarded consents to begin work on the exterior of the building, which is regarded as an eyesore in the capital.
Development manager Guy Aharoni said securing resource consents marked a significant milestone for the project.
“Receiving resource consent approval is an important step that allows us to move confidently into the next phase of the development.
“We’re excited to continue transforming this landmark site into a destination that Wellingtonians can once again be proud of.”
Australasian architecture and design firm Buchan created the exterior design.
With the building sitting between Courtney Place and Wakefield Street, an entrance from both sides will be built to strengthen pedestrian flow through the site.
“The Court is about much more than restoring a building. It’s about reconnecting this part of the city, creating a vibrant place for people to gather, and delivering a development that contributes to the ongoing revitalisation of Courtenay Place.”
Major earthquake strengthening was well underway under the current building consent.
Reading Cinemas will return as operator, offering full recliner seating, in-seat food and beverage service, large auditoriums with advanced projection, oversized screens and immersive sound.