The precinct has an area of approximately 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres).
Construction
After the demolition of the previous convention centre, construction of a replacement facility was included as part of the list of anchor projects for the rebuild of the city. Central government acquired the land using powers granted under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011.[5] The site chosen covered two blocks south of Armagh Street, between the Avon River / Ōtākaro and Colombo Street. The building would include frontages towards Victoria Square, Christchurch, Oxford Terrace, and Cathedral Square. As part of the development, a section of Gloucester Street was closed to connect the two adjacent blocks.[6]
Te Pae was designed by Woods Bagot & Warren and Mahoney.[7][4] The initial design was submitted in 2012. Plenary Conventions New Zealand (PCNZ) was initially selected to develop the plan in 2014. This was to be a consortium between Plenary Group, Ngāi Tahu Property and the Carter Group.[8] This would have included the construction and operation of the facility and surrounding areas for 10 years. After some delays, construction was due to start in 2016. At the time, earthquake recovery minister Gerry Brownlee said he expected the centre to be built for "slightly in excess" of the NZ$284,000,000 that had been initially set aside.[9] The partnership collapsed in 2016, with PCNZ unable to meet design requirements within the budget provided.[10] This was despite the cancellation of features including an on-site hotel and parking building.[10] Construction was further delayed, finally beginning in 2017.[11] The facility was due to open in 2020, but this was pushed further back by the COVID-19 pandemic. It finally opened to the public in 2021, with a total project cost of NZ$450,000,000.[12]
Facilities and design
Te Pae venue behind Avon river
The 43,000 exterior tiles reflect the Canterbury region's braided rivers; the river concept is extended throughout the building, influencing the shape of the windows and the carpet design.
The reception area contains a marble reception desk, timber columns, and an illuminated artwork named Hana, designed by sculptor Loni Hutchinson. It includes a 1400-seat auditorium that can divide into two 700-seat areas. There are numerous conference rooms downstairs and a 2800m2 exhibition hall that can be partitioned or enlarged to 3300m2. The banquet hall has a capacity of 1000 people used for gatherings and seminars. The River Rooms, which overlook the Avon River, can accommodate up to 500 people apiece. They can be joined to accommodate 1,000 guests for major banquets and gala events.[1][13][14]
Management
ASM Global manages the venue, which employs around eighty people full-time, while around 400 people are employed part-time or casual to provide technical, hospitality, and security services for events.[1]
References
Bibliography
Walsh, John (2023), "Ōtautahi Christchurch Architecture: A Walking Guide", Massey University Press (2nd ed.), Auckland, p. 131, ISBN9781991016386
