New Christchurch Metro Sports Facility to be largest aquatic and recreation centre in New Zealand

Images showing the inside of Christchurch's $300 million Metro Sports Facility have been released for the first time.

Artist impressions, released by Ōtākaro Limited and Christchurch City Council, show bright, large open spaces with huge swimming pool halls.

The 34,000 metre² facility, described as an ‘anchor project’ in the rebuilding of central Christchurch, will be the largest indoor aquatic and recreation facility of its kind in New Zealand, featuring a 10-lane, 50 metre swimming pool and separate diving pool with 1,000 spectator seats, a learn-to-swim pool, five hydroslides (waterslides) and nine multipurpose indoor courts for sports such as netball and basketball.

Other features include an aquatic sensory facility, party rooms and a shared administration area for regional sport while fitness spaces will present a gym/weights facility, group fitness rooms, a performance movement centre and high performance sports centre.

Initially projected to be completed this year, the project has been delayed as a result of ground instability. Major construction work is now planned to begin in June next year, with opening planned for early 2020.

Welcoming the project update, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was confident the facility would reignite sport and recreation participation rates in the city, stating "the Metro Sports Facility will be a hub of activity for people of all ages and abilities within our community. It will truly offer something for everyone."

The Council, which will run the facility once it opens, iss contributing $147 million toward the project, with the New Zealand Government paying the remaining amount, including land purchase.

Expected to attract an average of 40,000 people each week, operating costs for the new facility are expected to be between $7.5 million and $8 million a year.

Images of the planned Christchurch Metro Sports Facility, from top: the facility's leisure water, the 50 metre pool and the exterior.

30th May 2016 - CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL REVEALS THE NEW QEII

30th December 2015 - DESIGN TEAM APPOINTED FOR CHRISTCHURCH METRO SPORTS FACILITY

18th December 2015 - CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL TO RECEIVE $635 MILLION POST-EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE SETTLEMENT

2nd September 2015 - ARCHITECTS HIGHLIGHT CONTEMPORARY AQUATIC AND RECREATION FACILITIES AS SOCIAL HUBS

12th August 2015 - FUNDING PARAMETERS AGREED FOR CHRISTCHURCH METRO SPORTS FACILITY

15th March 2015 - CHRISTCHURCH COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD WITH TWO KEY SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES