Mid year construction start for $217 million Christchurch multi-sport facility

Construction of the new $217 million Christchurch aquatic, recreation and sport facility in the heart of the earthquake damaged city is due to start in the second half of 2014.

Currently known as the Metro Sports Facility, the venue is one of 17 so-called 'anchor projects' that will define the new Christchurch CBD. Conveniently located in the central city area near to Hagley Park, close to other sports venues, and accessible via public transport, private vehicles, and the new walking and cycling links, the new facility will include:

• An aquatic centre with a 50 metre, 10-lane competition pool, and dive and leisure pools;
• An indoor stadium eight indoor courts, with seating for up to 2,800 people;
• A high performance centre with facilities for coaching and training;
• Day-to-day recreation options including a fitness centre and landscaped outdoor space;
• A performance movement centre with studios and performance space;
• Administration facilities and parking.

Speaking about the project before Christmas, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the facility would cater for all sporting levels - from young children learning to swim to elite athletes training for international competitions.

Prime Minister Key explained "Cantabrians love their sport and the region produces some of the greatest sports people ... and they need the best sporting facilities."

Providing details on the development of the project, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee added "the Crown and the Christchurch City Council have committed $217million to the project, for which the project management and quantity surveying is being completed by Davis Langdon.

"Design consultants Beca, Warren & Mahoney, Peddle Thorpe Melbourne and Boffa Miskell are developing a Master Plan for the facility, with EY working on the business case.

"By the middle of 2014 the entire site will be cleared, and the early works will start in the third quarter of the year."

31st May 2013 - FACILITIES OPENED AT CHRISTCHURCH’S APOLLO PROJECTS CENTRE

31st July 2012 - LEISURE VENUES AND OPEN SPACE AT THE HEART OF A NEW CHRISTCHURCH