London Street

Occupying the former site of the iconic Harbour Light Theatre, 24 London Street represents a thoughtful reinvestment in one of Lyttelton's most significant and visible locations. Following the theatre's demolition after the 2011 earthquakes, the project sought to restore activity, accommodation and opportunity to a site deeply embedded within the community's collective memory. The mixed-use development combines contemporary visitor accommodation with flexible commercial and community space. Two luxury apartments sit above street level, each designed to maximise natural light, harbour views and connections to the surrounding landscape through private balconies to both the front and rear. Below, a generous double-height tenancy provides a highly adaptable space with the potential for a future mezzanine, allowing it to evolve alongside the needs of the community. While unmistakably modern, the building has been carefully considered within the context of London Street and Lyttelton's distinctive character. Respecting the town's rich architectural heritage was integral to the design approach, balancing contemporary living with cues drawn from the area's historic streetscape. Two exterior columns reference the former Harbour Light Theatre, creating a subtle tribute to the site's past, while a palette inspired by the volcanic rock of the harbour grounds the building within its unique setting. Conceived as more than a replacement for what was lost, the project provides an opportunity to bring new visitors, new activity and renewed energy into the heart of Lyttelton. It is a building that looks forward while acknowledging the stories that came before it, contributing positively to the evolving identity of this much-loved harbour community.