Christchurch Unveils $500 Million Parakiore Sports Complex

The highly anticipated Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre officially opened in Christchurch on December 10, 2023. This $500 million facility is New Zealand’s largest recreation and sports complex, designed to cater to a wide range of sporting and recreational activities. Although the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Saint Asaph Street, the centre will welcome the public starting December 17, following its role in co-hosting the Special Olympics’ national summer games.

The Parakiore centre features an impressive array of amenities, including a 50-meter competition pool, diving pools, hydroslides, and aquatic leisure zones. In addition to its aquatic facilities, the complex houses nine indoor courts, which include a three-court show court equipped with retractable grandstands for spectators. Fitness and movement studios, along with a designated training base for High Performance Sport New Zealand, further enhance the facility’s offerings.

The project was initially budgeted at $246 million, with funding coming from both the city council and the Crown. The city council contributed $147 million, while the Crown covered the rest of the budget, particularly the costs that exceeded the original estimate. According to a spokesperson from Crown Infrastructure Delivery, the final cost of the facility is expected to be around $500 million upon completion.

Before it officially opens to the public, the Parakiore centre will host the Special Olympics’ national summer games from December 10-14. Entry to all events during this period is free, allowing the community to engage with the new facility while supporting the athletes.

The completion of the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre marks a significant investment in the future of sports and recreation in Christchurch. With a diverse range of options available under one roof, it is poised to become a vital hub for athletes and recreational enthusiasts alike.