SYDNEY:

A popular New Zealand cafe said it will be forced to close next year after the property's high-profile owner, Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, ended its lease as part of a wider redevelopment plan.

Jackson, best known for directing the 'Lord of The Rings' films, purchased the historic Submarine Barracks property on the Wellington peninsula with partner Fran Walsh in 2023. At the time, the couple said they wanted to restore the area's "natural beauty".

The Chocolate Fish Cafe, which operates from the historic property, said in a statement on social media that it was informed this week that its famous landlords would end the lease in January, calling it a "devastating blow".

"Despite our requests, we haven't yet been given the opportunity to speak with Peter and Fran direct

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