Work on Canterbury’s $683 million Multi-Use Arena is set to reach a new milestone when the first of the foundations’ major concrete pours is completed later this month.
Te Kaha Project Delivery Chief Executive, David Kennedy says the lead contractor, BESIX Watpac, will oversee about 40 large concrete pours between 27 January and mid-August, as work begins on the arena’s substructure.
“These concrete pours are significant as they signal the start of the main construction of Te Kaha,” says Mr Kennedy.
“The substructure is a crucial element as it will enable the land to support the huge 30,000-seat arena, and ensure it can withstand any seismic activity in the future.
“Most of the concrete pours are likely to begin at about 2am. This will help minimise heat stress on staff and minimise the risk of traffic congestion during peak morning periods, ensure consistent concrete supply and keep the concrete cooler.”
The concrete pours will begin on the Madras Street side of the site, establishing the foundations for the western stand.
The pours will then follow the ground improvement early work that is continuing across the site, finishing with the northern and eastern stands later this year.
Mr Kennedy said BESIX Watpac’s design and construction programme for the Te Kaha project remains on-budget and on-schedule.
Once completed in April 2026, the arena will have a seating capacity of 30,000 for sports events and will hold a minimum 36,000 spectators for large music events.
Te Kaha will add to the central city’s vitality, catalyse further development, help re-establish Christchurch as a sporting and cultural capital and boost the city’s economy by attracting visitors from around New Zealand and the world, Christchurch City Council said in a statement.
