Rival contractors appointed for initial designs of Christchurch metro centre

Christchurch Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced the appointment of two contractors for a metro sports facility.

The appointment pits the contractors against each other in the joint government and city council funded post-earthquakes rebuild anchor project.

In late August, a decision will be made to continue with one of the two contractors.

"To keep some competition in the process, we have awarded the early contractor involvement contract for stage one to two contractors – a joint venture between Australian company CPB and Christchurch-based Southbase, and Leighs Cockram Joint Venture," Mr Brownlee says in a prepared statement.

Last week Mr Brownlee deflected criticism over a Treasury report about the lack of progress on central city earthquake rebuild projects, particularly a government-managed convention centre for Cathedral Square.

The appointed contractors for the metro centre will work with the government and Christchurch City Council, providing advice and expertise in the design and build of the facility near Hagley Park near the central city.

During the first stage of preliminary design, the contractors are expected to provide advice on construction and timelines. 

"Subject to their performance and commercial negotiations, they may then have the opportunity to stay on and be involved in the build itself."

The contractors are joining a design team that includes Warren & Mahoney, Peddle Thorp Architects, and MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects.

Engineering design services are being provided by Aurecon, with ARUP, Powell Fenwick Consultants, and Aquatic Design & Engineering.

"It will be the second largest sport and recreation facility of its type in Australasia and we want to make absolutely sure what we're building will meet the needs of the community, now and in the future," Mr Brownlee says.

It will include an indoor aquatic hall with a 79m, 10-lane competition pool and seating for a minimum of 1000 spectators, a leisure area including hot pools and hydroslides, nine indoor courts for sports such as netball and basketball, and retractable seating for a minimum of 2500 spectators.

There will also be a dedicated base for High Performance Sport New Zealand, and spaces for fitness and other activities.

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