Contractor chosen for QEII rebuild
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Christchurch City Council has chosen Apollo Projects Ltd to build the new QEII Recreation and Sport Centre.
Councillors have approved Apollo to lead the rebuild of the Centre, with work scheduled to start onsite in December 2016 creating the eagerly awaited 4573 square metre facility which will return swimming and fitness amenities to QEII Park. The previous facility was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquakes and demolished in 2012.
“Apollo are experts in aquatics and have done sterling work for the Council before, rebuilding the Norman Kirk Memorial Pool in Lyttelton and the Scarborough Paddling Pool,” Coastal Ward Councillor David East said. “The project has some very particular specs, and Apollo are the ideal contractors to deliver exactly what we’re after, on schedule and on budget.”
Paul Lloyd, Apollo Projects CEO/Director, said that the locally-owned company is incredibly proud to be involved in the QEII project.
"We’re proud not just because it's a great asset for the community, but more for what it represents for the city,” Mr Lloyd said. “The old QEII had been part of Christchurch for around 40 years when the earthquakes happened, and we all have our memories – as a parent who’s spent a lot of time poolside at QEII watching my three kids compete, it's an honour to be part of this new complex.”
Burwood Ward Councillor Glenn Livingstone says the centre is expected to open in mid-2018.
“The community is eager to see a facility of this calibre return to QEII Park, and it’s great news that the start date is just around the corner,” he says. “The new centre will include leisure and training pools, as well as a hydroslide, water adventure playground, steamroom and sauna, fitness centre and a café. For the cherry on top, the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust has generously provided $7.47 million (including GST) towards the water attractions.”
The project would be the first sign of construction in QEII Park as it enters a busy period of redevelopment. The Ministry of Education is also set to begin the relocation of Avonside Girls’ and Shirley Boys’ High Schools to QEII Park in 2017.