Major $500 Million Aquatic Centre Parakiore Opens in Christchurch

The highly anticipated Parakiore, New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and aquatic centre, is set to open its doors to the public on December 17, 2023. Located in central Christchurch, this $500 million multisport aquatic complex features an array of facilities, including a 50-metre competition pool, a dive pool, five hydroslides, a large recreational pool, and a sensory aqua centre. Additionally, Parakiore houses nine courts and serves as a training base for High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Prior to its official opening, Parakiore will host the Special Olympics National Summer Games from December 10 to 14. The event will feature swimming and basketball competitions, marking a significant first use of the facility. According to Nigel Cox, head of recreation, sports, and events for the Christchurch City Council, the Special Olympics is a fitting inaugural event.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for these athletes to showcase their skills in a world-class facility,” Cox stated. “We expect a large turnout of spectators to support the athletes.”

The development of Parakiore faced numerous delays, but Cox emphasized that the wait has been worthwhile. “Come to the opening day and you’re going to be amazed. All that frustration will be forgotten, because this is the best thing that’s going to happen to Christchurch,” he added. The centre spans 32,000 square metres, offering something for everyone, from hydroslides to community courts.

A Hub for Sports and Community Engagement

In addition to its aquatic facilities, Parakiore includes a three-court space with retractable grandstands, fitness studios, and even a circus studio. Staff members expressed enthusiasm during their initial visits to the centre. Many were overwhelmed by the sheer size and modernity of the new space, especially those who remember the previous facility, the QEII, which was lost in the 2011 earthquake.

According to Andrew Ellis, the South Island manager for High Performance Sport New Zealand, the centre serves as a vital addition to the sporting landscape of Christchurch. “This integrated approach to sport and recreation is crucial for our community,” he remarked. “Having a specifically designed facility for our high-performance needs will enable us to develop athletes for events such as the LA 2028 Olympics and Brisbane 2032.”

Parakiore was constructed by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and is now owned and operated by the Christchurch City Council. The project’s final cost exceeded initial estimates, coming in at approximately $500 million, more than double the original budget. The city council’s financial commitment to the project was capped at $147 million. Construction commenced in 2018 and has now reached completion, paving the way for exciting new opportunities in Christchurch’s sporting environment.