The realisation of a new major movement arts centre in Christchurch – called the MOVE centre – is a step closer, with local organisation Human Performance Incorporated announced as the operator of the new studios at Parakiore.

HPI will oversee the running of the $7 million, three-studio MOVE centre at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre that will cater to dance, dive-acrobatics and circo-arts.

HPI Chair Chloë Dear says having a permanent, world-class base at Parakiore will have far-reaching benefits for the arts scene in Canterbury.

“It will be exciting to have a circo-arts space that has a permanent gantry rigging system and gives us the opportunity to work at greater heights than anything else that’s available,” Ms Dear says.

“We’re looking forward to running public classes and community programmes designed to increase participation in the movement arts, while also providing a unique space for the development of circus in Christchurch.”

HPI has been awarded a $492,000 grant from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s regeneration fund to cover the organisation’s establishment costs at the studio.

Head of Recreation and Sport, Nigel Cox, says the MOVE centre will be a community resource that will foster health and well-being across the region.

“MOVE will have capacity to reach more than 75,000 participants in its first year of operation, and many more in the following years,” Mr Cox says.

“We’re excited to be able to partner with HPI and offer a range of movement arts activities that will cater for all levels of ability.”

Parakiore is planned to open in 2025.