12 January 2016 - Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) has appointed Aurecon to lead a team that will deliver multi-disciplinary engineering design services to the Christchurch Metro Sports Facility.

Located conveniently in central Christchurch, the Metro Sports Facility is one of 20 Christchurch Anchor Projects that aim to inspire the community and provide momentum to the inner city rebuild. It will be the second largest sport and recreation facility of its type in Australasia, offering an impressive range of aquatic, indoor sports and leisure activities available and accessible to all.

“We are honoured to be part of a project that will serve so many in the Christchurch community. Yoga, swimming, hydro slides, tennis, or simply cheering from the stands, the Metro Sports Facility has something for people of all ages, abilities and sporting skills,” says Nick Gordge, Aurecon Christchurch Office Manager.

Aurecon’s robust local and international experience combined with their proven track record of designing significant (NZD 100 M plus) building projects were key contributors to the win. Aurecon, as team lead, aligned with ARUP, Aquatic Design and Engineering, and Powell Fenwick Consultants for this project to offer a broad range of design services to the Metro Sports Facility.

Nick adds: “By taking the time to listen and understand our client’s needs, hopes and fears, we were able to develop a tailored service that directly spoke to these. We have built a high quality design team of renowned engineers with directly relevant experience to meet all requirements.”

The team will provide a range of multidisciplinary engineering design services across structural, civil, geotechnical, traffic, electrical and mechanical building services, survey and fire engineering.

Key features of the facility will include:     

• An aquatic center with a 10 lane, 79 meter long competition pool, competitive dive facilities and spectator seating
• A large leisure (fun) pool and two feature hydro slides
• A spa, sauna and steam room, with outdoor hot pools
• A  separate multi-purpose warm water pool for fitness, leisure and rehabilitation
• A programme pool providing for learn to swim
• 9 indoor sports courts with spectator seating
• A fitness center, dance studio spaces, gym/weights facility and group fitness rooms
• A water sensory facility: a multi-sensory aquatic recreational environment for people of all ages and abilities
• High performance sport center.

 
The NZ Government and Christchurch City Council will jointly fund the Metro Sports Facility.

The facility is due to open in 2020.