Latest update: 24/09/2016
Preliminary Design of Metro Sports Facility released
September 2016
Ōtākaro Limited and the Christchurch City Council have today released preliminary design images of the Metro Sports Facility, which will be the largest aquatic and indoor recreation and leisure venue of its kind in New Zealand.
“The Metro Sports Facility will be a notable statement in the central city, providing a much-needed centre for aquatic and indoor sport activities in both competitive and leisure settings. This is a world-class facility that will bring competition aquatic sport right into the heart of Christchurch, and the provisions for leisure and community spaces create room for the whole community to participate. The momentum behind our Anchor Projects is building towards an exciting future for the city centre,” says the Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Gerry Brownlee.
Ōtākaro Chief Executive Albert Brantley says the Metro Sports Facility will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, that attracts people to Christchurch and the central city.
“These images show the look, size and complexity of this Anchor Project, although there will be further refinements. The high level of consultation with future users and the extensive planning that has gone into the Metro Sports Facility will ultimately ensure it is the best facility possible for Christchurch,” says Mr Brantley.
At around 34,000m2, with a 50 metre, 10-lane competition swimming pool and a separate diving pool, large aquatic leisure area, five hydroslides, fitness spaces and nine indoor courts for sports such as netball and basketball, the Metro Sports Facility will be a place for fun and recreation and cater for the day-to-day needs of the educational and high-performance sporting communities in the region.
"The Crown and Christchurch City Council are working in close partnership to create a facility the whole region can be proud of. 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. With an average of 40,000 people expected through the doors each week I'm confident it will reignite sport and recreation participation rates, and be another good reason to live in and visit the central city.” says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
Construction of the facility will be managed by Ōtākaro Limited, and construction will be jointly funded by the Crown and the Christchurch City Council, with the Council being the operator of the facility after completion early in 2020.
Early works on the site and neighbouring Stewart Street and Balfour Terrace will get underway next month and motorists are advised the temporary Wilsons carpark currently on the site will be closed. Main construction work will begin around June 2017.
The Metro Sports Facility has been designed in collaboration with the Matapopore Charitable Trust on behalf of Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
“This facility will embody mana whenua values and stories which will celebrate the uniqueness of this landscape and our identity. These qualities will contribute to a facility which will be enjoyed by the whole community,” says Matapopore Chairperson Aroha Reriti Crofts.
The project team has undertaken extensive consultation with a wide range of regional and national sporting bodies to ensure the facility balances the needs of the community with those of top-level athletes. The Metro Sports Facility will be capable of hosting national and international events with 1000 poolside seats and 2500 grandstand seats flanking the show court. Sport Canterbury and High Performance Sport New Zealand will both be based in the facility.
Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon, says the new facility will be a great community asset for Christchurch people.
“With so many disciplines catered for under one roof, Metro Sports will also be a centre of excellence for our promising and talented athletes, who will be motivated by the success of those around them. The facility’s ability to host major sport and recreation events, attracting residents and visitors alike will also be a major draw card.”
Last month, as part of the early contractor involvement process, Leighs Cockram Joint Venture Ltd. was selected to assist with the next phase of design. They are providing their specialist knowledge of construction methods, cost management and health and safety to the project.
The facility will feature:
- 10-lane, 50m swimming pool and a separate diving pool, with 1000 spectator seats
- Largest leisure pool in the country
- Five hydro slides
- Learn to swim pool
- Aquatic sensory facility
- Birthday party room
- Warm water pool/spa/sauna/steam room
- Multipurpose indoor courts with capacity for nine netball courts
- 2500 retractable seats in the show court
- Gym/weights facility
- Group fitness rooms
- Performance movement centre
- High performance sports centre
- Sports House - shared administration area for regional sport
- VIP and media areas
- Café
- Childcare facility.
