Christchurch City Council of New Zealand has revealed four preliminary design images of the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA), which once built would be able to accommodate up to 37,800 people for concerts and 30,000 for sporting events.
The preliminary designs of the $362m CMUA have been developed by Kōtui consortium.
This consortium consists of construction firms Fulton Hogan, and Southbase Construction; architects Warren and Mahoney; global stadium design experts Mott MacDonald and Populous; and seismic engineering provider Lewis Bradford.
The preliminary design images from Warren and Mahoney, and Populous offer an external view of the arena.
CMUA, which would measure 232m long, 195m wide and 36m high at its tallest point and occupy most of the central Christchurch site, will be bordered by Tuam, Barbadoes, Madras and Hereford streets.
CMUA project delivery board chair Barry Bragg said: “These designs crystallise our vision for the CMUA to be the most modern, fit-for-purpose arena in the country – a facility that leads the way from an innovation and sustainability perspective.’’
Bragg added: “We know people are really excited about the prospect of having a covered arena in the heart of the city and we hope these preliminary designs will capture people’s imaginations and give them a glimpse of what is to come.
“We are well on the way towards delivering Christchurch a world-class covered arena with high-quality acoustics that is capable of hosting top international music concerts as well as major international sporting fixtures.’’
The final preliminary design will be showcased to city councillors in January next year. Construction of the arena is expected to begin in July the same year.
CMUA is scheduled to open in 2025.
The investment case of this arena project secured approval from the council in 2019.
The designs since then have been significantly modified. Now, the latest designs meet the seismic requirements and improve multi-use functionality.
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Image: CMUA is scheduled to open in 2025. Christchurch City Council.
