Sports centre experiences more delays

Construction of Christchurch’s indoor sports and aquatics facility, Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, is now expected to be complete in spring 2024.

Construction sector constraints, challenging ground conditions and regular changes to the construction programme have continued to hamper progress, which Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman, says is disappointing for everyone involved.

“We know people are incredibly eager to ride the hydroslides, play on the indoor courts and move their sport’s HQ into Parakiore, but the contractor hasn’t made enough progress during this challenging period to have the work completed late 2023 as planned, and has revised its timetable accordingly,” he says.

“As the owner of Parakiore, Christchurch City Council will need time to commission the facility. If the build is finished towards the end of 2024, an early 2025 opening would be likely. Worker numbers are now increasing, which gives us greater confidence in the road ahead,” he adds.

“While construction will take longer to complete, we have a fixed-price contract with the contractor and any variations beyond the $317m already allocated will be worked through and agreed on with the contractor at a later date, but these won’t prevent us completing this outstanding facility.”

Council’s funding contribution to Parakiore remains capped.