October 2016
Early works for the Metro Sports Facility will get underway this week with the site being prepared for construction.
The Metro Sports Facility will be the largest aquatic and indoor recreation and leisure venue of its kind in New Zealand. It will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Between now and early 2017 the majority of Balfour Terrace, which currently runs through the centre of the site, will be closed and a new entrance and services to the properties at the western end will be created from Stewart Street. This is to allow land remediation to commence later in the year. The Wilsons carparks on Antigua Street will permanently close from November 19 to ensure the site is clear.
Construction of the Metro Sports Facility is being managed by Ōtākaro Limited, and construction will be jointly funded by the Crown and the Christchurch City Council, with the Council being the owner and operator of the facility after completion early in 2020.
Ōtākaro Chief Executive Albert Brantley says watching the Metro Sports Facility emerge is going to be one of the best shows in town.
“With the site bordered by Moorhouse Avenue and Antigua Street the construction work will be prominent. It will be an ever present reminder that Christchurch’s regeneration is well underway,” says Mr Brantley.
The Metro Sports Facility will include 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. It will be a venue that will grow participation in sport and recreation in Canterbury and provide facilities to support athlete high-performance.
Main construction of the Metro Sports Facility is expected to begin in winter 2017.