Christchurch’s heritage is reflected throughout the 3,850 capacity centre, from the wraparound, herringbone-tiled facade that echoes Canterbury’s braided rivers, to the ceremonial entranceway inspired by the cross-beam apex of the traditional Ngāi Tahu meeting house, to the artworks that animate its human-scale spaces.
But the building is not only special because of how it looks: it is highly flexible, resilient and sustainable, and the engineering that underpins it is just as impressive, if less visible. WSP was a key part of the team from the start of the project, responsible for mechanical, electrical and specialist services, fire engineering, acoustics and technology systems. We also worked with the New Zealand Green Building Council to develop a custom Green Star rating tool for convention centres as part of this project.
Since Te Pae opened in December 2021, it has proved a resounding success, not only with the growing number of visitors to the city, but with residents too. Rau Paenga hoped that the convention centre would bring NZ$60m of economic benefits to the city annually; in 2023 it is set to deliver NZ$100m. “It has well exceeded expectations,” says Pearson. “It’s not just the big hotel corporations that benefit – it’s local restaurants, taxi firms, even barbers. It truly does impact the city at all levels, and it’s been hugely beneficial for the recovery.”