New Sofitel hotel could close for seven months

1:05 pm on 17 December 2016

One of Wellington's newest hotels could be closed until mid-July for repairs after a fire destroyed its ground-floor restaurant.

Fire fighters check the ceiling cavities for spread of the fire.

The fire early this month caused "extensive" damage, Sofitel management said. Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp

The fire started in a charcoal pit before spreading into the ceiling void at the Sofitel on Bolton Street's restaurant, Jardin Grill, on 2 December.

The hotel only opened in July.

Its management said the damage to the restaurant annexe was extensive and it would need to be rebuilt.

They said they were erring on the side of caution by saying it would not re-open until the middle of next July once those repairs are complete.

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Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp

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