The new Matatiki: Hornby Centre currently under construction in the Christchurch’s south-west will continue to be delivered to scope in spite of challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, Christchurch City Council has announced.
A staff report presented to Councillors in the public excluded section of last week’s Council meeting detailed the impacts of the challenges on the Centre project’s budget and timeframes.
The report was presented and voted on behind closed doors due to commercial sensitivity.
Mayor, Phil Mauger says it was “positive” to confirm the way forward for the new facility.
“Like many large infrastructure projects around the globe, the construction of Matatiki has been affected by things like supply chain delays, price escalations, and staff shortages due to illness,” the Mayor said.
“In spite of these challenges, we are able to deliver the project to scope, which is good news.”
When complete, the facility in Kyle Park will include a library, customer service area and aquatic facilities including a multi-purpose lane pool, family spa pool, hydrotherapy pool, and a toddlers’ wet play area.
Matatiki: Hornby Centre will also include an espresso bar, a creative activities room, and multi-purpose rooms for meetings and quiet study.
Hornby Ward Councillor, Mark Peters said the facility will be a fantastic asset for the local community.
“I’m pleased to see this project going ahead at full scope and it’s so good to see work on site continuing to progress well,” he said.
Staff are continuing to work through the full impact on the project’s programme and costs, work is progressing well on site.
Piling, the floor slab and foundations, and pre-cast concrete and steel portals have been erected above the library space. Work is also underway on the foundations for the plant room, changing facilities, and foyer areas.
The construction phase of the project is planned to be completed in December 2023, opening to the public in early 2024 once the site has been fitted out with furnishings, IT equipment and other fixtures.
