Australian-led consortium to build Christchurch's multi-use arena

Christchurch City Council has announced that the Kōtui consortium of businesses has been selected to design and construct its new 25,000-seat Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA). 

With Australian firm BESIX Watpac to build the new venue, construction of what is Christchurch's final post-earthquake ‘anchor’ project, is set to commence early next year.

BESIX Watpac will lead a consortium of companies, called Kōtui, consisting of Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney, global stadium designers Populous and Mott MacDonald, Southbase Construction, Fulton Hogan and seismic engineering specialists Lewis Bradford.

Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA) Project Delivery Board Chair Murray Strong said Kōtui's tender application was a clear stand-out, advising “the Kōtui consortium ticked all of the boxes for every member of the selection panel; every organisation involved in Kōtui will bring an exceptional level of expertise to the project. BESIX Watpac has an outstanding track record of building premier international stadia on time and within budget, and we look forward to utilising their expertise through the CMUA's design and construction process."

BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Jean-Pol Bouharmont said there would be considerable activity onsite prior to construction beginning due to a geotechnical investigation being undertaken.

Detailed designs for the $473 million venue are expected to be completed in the coming weeks

Images: Design concepts of the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (top) and the current site for the venue (below). Credit: Christchurch City Council.