Te Kaha Multi-Use Arena Secured for Christchurch

After more than a year of design and consultation Christchurch City Council has voted to approve the design and construct lump sum contract to build the Te Kaha multi-use arena.

The world-class multi-use arena is being delivered by the Kōtui consortium which was appointed in March 2021. The lead contractor, BESIX Watpac heads up the team and includes Mott MacDonald, Christchurch-based architects Warren and Mahoney along with global stadium design experts Populous.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said, “Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and it should have a multi-use arena where top international acts can perform and the All Blacks, the Crusaders and other sporting greats can play.

“We also need to be preparing for the future of entertainment and esports is taking off around the world,” Dalziel said.

Populous Director Chris Paterson said Cantabrians can now look forward to a true, multi-use arena located in the heart of their city.

“Te Kaha will be capable of facilitating world class sporting matches and international entertainment acts. It will also be one of only two stadia in the world with a fully enclosed roof and natural grass playing field.

“Our team is working hard to design a venue that is a flexible, urban multi-use arena within a thriving precinct for the community to enjoy memorable events and important celebrations,” Paterson said.

When finished the arena will host international acts, the All Blacks and the Crusaders matches with 30,000 seats (25,000 permanent and 5,000 temporary), a minimum of four player change rooms and food and beverage amenity for 25,000 patrons.

BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker welcomed the announcement and said it was a landmark moment for the company.

“The decision to move ahead with the project and realise the Council vision for a landmark multi-use stadium will be celebrated now and into the future,” Baker said.

“This will be an iconic stadium. It will also be built to withstand Christchurch seismic activity not only on completion but during construction, which by any standard is a challenging and unique task.”

Some of the other key features of the project include rectangular permanent stitched hybrid in-situ turf field of play and a fully covered roof including a clear span over the entire area of the field and bowl.