20 Dec 2018

Contractors are set to dig in at the Riccarton Community Centre site, with a sod-turning ceremony for the new $4.5 million facility taking place today.

The community centre in Clarence Street will replace the earthquake-damaged building on the former Christchurch City Council site next door.

The Council opted to sell part of the site to fund the new centre.

The design for the new Riccarton Community Centre.

The design for the new Riccarton Community Centre.

The two-storey centre – covering 760 square metres – is set to open by Christmas next year.

Council Head of Community Support, Governance and Partnerships John Filsell says the new centre is a vital hub, supporting local residents and opening doors to community connections.

“A shared social space is important for community well-being, and the new centre ticks all the boxes with first-class facilities and access to various activity areas,” Mr Filsell says.

The centre offers a Council customer services area, a community hall, five activity/meeting rooms of varied sizes, and a kitchen.

“It’s a ‘third place’ for the local community that can adapt to meet various needs, separate from work and home-related activities – a social place for people to meet, participate or perhaps enjoy a performance in the hall,” Mr Filsell says.

“Community interaction is complemented by the provision of services in the centre, establishing another shared asset in the area. It also secures a much needed base for our service staff and the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board.”

The new facility – with on-site car parks and easy access – opposite the Windmill Centre is on track to open in late 2019.

Inspired by Riccarton Bush, the design incorporates full-height exterior timber columns and special images that will feature in the precast panels. The colours will also reflect the nearby bush environment. Sustainability has been integral to the project, resulting in the inclusion of roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels for the energy supply.

Four-year-old Jack Snell and Councillor Vicki Buck turn the first sod.

Four-year-old Jack Snell and Councillor Vicki Buck turn the first sod at the site of the new Riccarton Community Centre.