Convention Centre Precinct

Whare Rūnanga

A world-class convention centre will be developed to attract new and exciting events to the city. The precinct comprises of a number of buildings that will reactivate surrounding streets and public spaces, and generate new activity.

The Convention Centre will be located on the block defined by Armagh Street, Oxford Terrace, Worcester Street and Colombo Street. Gloucester Street will become part of the centre itself, but will allow for retail use and public access.

In this location, the Convention Centre will connect to the Square, Victoria Square, Puāri Pā and Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct and there will be day-to-day activities at ground level on all sides. It will connect to Victoria Square as a space (ātea) for conference guests to enter and receive a cultural welcome (pōwhiri).

Flexibility

The Convention Centre will complement the larger 3,500-delegate facility in Auckland, and be supported by the proposed facility in Queenstown for 750 to 1,000 delegates. The centre will be able to accommodate several events at the same time, initially with space for up to 2,000 people in events of different sizes, and expand to accommodate 2,500 people in the future.

New markets

A key objective is to attract international associations to Christchurch and develop connections with new businesses and markets that will ultimately help grow the economic base of greater Christchurch.

Access and service

The centre will have good access to key transport routes for service vehicles as well as being close to public transport. Good pedestrian access to key retail locations, hotels and public spaces will be an important part of the design process.

Key facts

• hotels will be developed in close proximity to the Convention Centre;
• will be developed jointly by CERA, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu, CCC and the private sector.