New convention centre taking shape

One year on from the first concrete being poured for Te Pae, Christchurch’s new convention and exhibition centre is taking shape.

“Since the first wave of concrete trucks arrived on site on 4 November last year, around 15,000 cubic metres of concrete has been poured and 1450 tonnes of structural steel installed,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman. 

“The foundations for the exhibition hall are now complete and the walls are starting to go up, giving a sense of what a great space it will be for local events like boat shows and wedding expos.''

Work to install the roof of the 1400-seat auditorium will be completed in the new year, which will allow the internal fit-out to begin.

CPB currently has around 75 people working on site and this will increase to over 400 at the height of construction.

"Interest in holding conferences and exhibitions at Te Pae has been strong and we encourage anyone looking for a world-class events venue from late 2020 onwards to get in touch. We are on track to appoint an operator for Te Pae by the end of the year and announcements about bookings will come after that,'' Mr Bridgman says.

"With the City Promenade set to open on 25 November, I encourage everyone to take a walk past Te Pae and look through the new viewing windows to check out the progress that has been made in the first 12 months of construction.”

An artist's impression of Te Pae, Christchurch's new convention and exhibition centre.