End in sight for Te Pae

Construction of the $475 million Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is expected to be completed by the middle of next year – with events ready to be held in the second half of the year. The project was on track to be completed by October, before Covid-19 delays were felt.

Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive John Bridgman says an exact opening date and first event will be confirmed closer to the time.

“Covid-19 has had a major impact on our construction projects, we have a tight construction market and there is some uncertainty going forward, but we are acutely aware business events take time to plan and we want to provide our clients with as much clarity as we can as the end of year draws near,” he says.

“The venue operator, ASM Global, continues to work with the organisers of proposed 2021 events to try to tailor events to their needs, where appropriate, to achieve economic benefits for the city.

“Unsurprisingly, any further Covid-19-related disruptions may change this timeline, but I am optimistic that by this time next year we’ll see Te Pae Christchurch delegates wandering along the promenade to the city’s great restaurants.”

The anchor project is designed by Warren and Mahoney architects with Woods Bagot and with close consultation with Matapopore Charitable Trust.

In recent years, Christchurch has hosted just nine percent of the country’s conventions, but prior to 2011 it hosted 24 percent. Returning to this level could bring a potential economic boost of about $56 million, according to ChristchuchNZ.