Christchurch Prepares for Opening of $500 Million Aquatic Centre

The highly anticipated opening of the Parakiore multisport aquatic centre in central Christchurch is set for December 17, 2023. This facility, which represents New Zealand’s largest indoor sports and aquatic complex, has been in development for several years and carries a price tag of approximately $500 million. Parakiore features a 50-metre competition pool, a dive pool, five hydroslides, and a large recreational pool, alongside nine sports courts and a training base for High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Before its public debut, Parakiore will host the Special Olympics National Summer Games from December 10 to 14, featuring swimming and basketball competitions. Nigel Cox, head of recreation, sports, and events at the Christchurch City Council, expressed enthusiasm for the facility’s inaugural event. “The Special Olympics is a fitting first use of the building,” Cox stated. “We’re expecting a fantastic turnout of spectators.”

Despite the lengthy construction period, Cox emphasized that the wait would be worth it. “Come to the opening day and you’re going to be amazed,” he noted. “This is just the best thing that’s going to happen to Christchurch.” Spanning an impressive 32,000 square metres, the facility offers amenities for all, from hydroslides to community courts.

Facilities and Features Highlighted

The complex includes a three-court space with retractable grandstands, fitness studios, and even a circus studio. Staff members have expressed their excitement about the new facility, with many overwhelmed during initial testing. Some staff members, familiar with the previous QEII facility before the earthquake, remarked on the size and design of the new centre. “It was so big and just going wow, this is so much bigger than they thought it was going to be,” Cox added.

Andrew Ellis, South Island manager for High Performance Sport New Zealand, shared his excitement for the Parakiore’s potential impact on local athletes. “I sort of grew up in Christchurch, with QEII as an asset—a jewel in the crown of our sporting world,” he explained. “That’s been missing for a long time, so to have that integrated approach to sport and recreation in this city, where everyone’s going to be in the same place connecting, it’s just going to be transformative.”

Ellis highlighted the facility’s design, which includes a high-performance gym, a running track, and an indoor throws cage. These elements aim to foster close collaboration among coaches and athletes, further enhancing Christchurch’s legacy of producing exceptional athletes on the world stage. “This is the next step of producing those athletes towards the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics and beyond,” he stated.

Project Overview and Budget Insights

The Parakiore complex, developed by Crown Infrastructure Delivery, is now owned and operated by the Christchurch City Council. The project, initially expected to cost $500 million, saw its budget double during construction. The city council’s financial contribution was capped at $147 million.

Construction began in 2018, and the community eagerly awaits the opening of what is poised to become a hub for sporting activities and events in Christchurch. The Parakiore facility not only represents a significant investment in local infrastructure but also aims to inspire the next generation of athletes and bring the community together in a shared space for recreation and sport.