Drifter Christchurch

Located in one of Christchurch’s key heritage buildings on Lichfield Street, Drifter Christchurch offers 95 rooms – a mix of bunk rooms and private suites – along with premium shared spaces designed for the modern traveller. The property combines hotel comfort with the social energy of a hostel, all within a thoughtfully restored heritage setting.

When Drifter was preparing to take on the tenancy, Kensway was engaged to assist with basebuild and enabling works ahead of the internal fitout. Working closely with Drifter, Urban Functions (Architect) and Rhodes (Quantity Surveyor), our role included refining the project budget for Drifter’s acquisition and delivering the preparatory works needed to ready the building for transformation.

The scope encompassed structural strengthening, cladding repairs and replacement, internal demolition, and the installation of a new lift. We prepared tenancy spaces for the fitout team and carried out building services upgrades and essential maintenance to meet operational requirements. These works provided a robust and compliant foundation for Drifter’s distinctive, design-led hospitality offering.