Christchurch’s Parakiore Aquatic Centre Set to Open December 17

The highly anticipated Parakiore multisport aquatic centre in central Christchurch is set to open its doors to the public on December 17, 2023. This state-of-the-art facility, which has faced significant delays, represents a substantial investment of approximately $500 million. It features a 50-metre competition pool, a dive pool, five hydroslides, a large recreational pool, and a sensory aqua centre. Additionally, the centre includes nine courts and serves as a training base for High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Before its official opening, Parakiore will host events for the Special Olympics National Summer Games from December 10 to 14. According to Nigel Cox, head of recreation, sports, and events at the Christchurch City Council, this event is an appropriate inaugural use for the facility. “They’ve got their swimming competition and basketball to be played out of here, with some demonstration sports as well,” Cox remarked. “We’re expecting a tremendous turnout of spectators.”

Despite the lengthy construction process, Cox believes the wait has been worthwhile. “Come to the opening day and you’re going to be amazed,” he stated. “This is just the best thing that’s going to happen to Christchurch. This is a world-class, fantastic facility spanning 32,000 square metres. There’s something for everyone, from the hydroslides to the community courts.”

Facilities and Features of Parakiore

The complex boasts a three-court space equipped with retractable grandstands, fitness studios, and even a circus studio. Staff members have expressed their excitement about the new centre, with many feeling a sense of nostalgia and wonder as they explored the expansive space. “When we brought the staff in and welcomed them to start doing the testing, a lot of them were overcome,” Cox recounted. “They were amazed by how much bigger it is than they had anticipated.”

The excitement extends beyond the council staff. Andrew Ellis, the South Island manager for High Performance Sport New Zealand, shared his enthusiasm for the new facility. “I grew up in Christchurch, with QEII as an asset—a jewel in the crown of our sporting world. That’s been missing for a long time,” Ellis said. He highlighted the importance of having a cohesive space for sport and recreation where the community can gather.

Ellis noted that the facility is specifically designed to cater to high-performance athletes. It includes a high-performance gym, a running track, and an indoor throwing cage, along with integrated meeting and office spaces. “We have a legacy in Christchurch and Canterbury of producing some fantastic performers on the world stage. This is the next step toward developing athletes for the LA 2028 Olympics, Brisbane 2032, and beyond,” he explained.

A Long-Awaited Investment

The construction of Parakiore was undertaken by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and is now owned and operated by the Christchurch City Council. Initially, the project was estimated to cost around $500 million, which is more than double the original budget. The council’s financial commitment to the project was capped at $147 million, reflecting the significant challenges encountered during its development.

Construction began in 2018, and the long-awaited opening promises to provide a much-needed boost to the local community and sporting culture. As the countdown to the grand opening continues, the excitement surrounding Parakiore grows, with many looking forward to experiencing its impressive array of facilities and programs. With its diverse offerings, Parakiore is poised to become a central hub for sports and recreation in Christchurch.