Wharenui Recreation Centre Stadium reopens

Christchurch’s Wharenui Recreation Centre Stadium – closed since the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake – has reopened.

Repaired and strengthened to meet 100% of the New Building Standard (NBS), the Christchurch City Council facility is now brightened by a Kiwiana-themed mural designed by internationally-renowned and Christchurch-born street artist Dcypher, aka Guy Ellis.

Welcoming the reopening, Christchurch Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck stated “it’s historically been a popular facility with the community, and in particular the Wharenui Swimming Club and Wharenui School have made it their home away from home and are eager for the doors to open again.

“I actually had the privilege of opening the centre back in 1991 as Christchurch Mayor, and this in some ways is more meaningful – it’s had a quarter-century to become a beloved fixture of the community, and of course the outside wall is more stunning than anyone would have expected.

“It looks amazing, and adds a real burst of colour that we’re thankfully starting to see more of around the city – why have a blank wall when we can have something fun like this?” Deputy Mayor Buck says.

Before its closure due to quake damage, Wharenui Recreation Centre Stadium was a popular location for the public and pupils from local schools for basketball, exercise classes, badminton and martial arts. The adjacent swimming pool building has remained open since the quakes, and will be repaired to 67% NBS.

Also available are the lounge, which has capacity for up to 40 people seated in cinema style and is kitted out with AV equipment and a white board, and the fully-equipped adjoining kitchen.

For more information go to www.wharenui.co.nz

Image: The Kiwiana-themed mural on the street-facing wall.

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