Major upgrade of Lyttelton Recreation Grounds nears completion

The finishing touches are being added to the Lyttelton Recreation Grounds as the upgrade project nears completion.

The major revamp started in late 2023, and involves reorienting and resowing the existing grass sports fields, upgrading the site’s utilities, and building a new change pavilion and “multi-sport zone” at Lyttelton’s Naval Point – Te Nukutai o Tapoa.

Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Rupert Bool says the work will start to wrap up from April, with the multi-sport zone and change pavilion opening ahead of the winter sport season.

“The new changing pavilion build is progressing well, landscaping and outdoor furniture is being installed, and the final artwork and line markings are about to be added to the basketball-futsal court,” says Mr Bool.

The multi-sport zone includes a basketball-futsal court, netball court and artificial turf training ground. These sit alongside two grass sports fields.

The basketball-futsal and netball courts will feature artworks created by Ngāti Wheke artist and carver Caine Tauwhare.

Basketball-futsal court design render

“The work is based upon a traditional carving design known as ponahi [spiral]. In this instance the inspiration comes from tawhiri a nuku [whirlwinds] and tawhiri a raki [whirlpools].

“The design is a representation of two opposing energies working together to create balance,” says Mr Tauwhare.

The courts will complement the waterfront walkway designs at neighbouring Naval Point – Te Nukutai o Tapoa, which were created by the same artist.

The paintwork will be completed in two stages, with the basketball-futsal court starting in late March. The netball court, which is currently being used as a staging area for the sport pavilion construction project, will get its final coat of paint later in the year when weather conditions allow.

“Temporary line markings will be added to the netball court so it can be used during the upcoming season,” says Mr Bool.

Some minor landscaping and civil works will continue around the site into autumn.

“We ask people to be mindful of any fenced off areas and follow any safety signage while these last elements are completed,” says Mr Bool.

Plans are in the works for a community event to mark the completion of the project.

“It’s great to see all the elements of the project start to come together. We’ve had some fantastic support from the local sports clubs and community, and look forward to celebrating the official completion of the project with them in the coming months,” says Mr Bool.

The Lyttelton Recreation Ground redevelopment is running alongside the broader $27 million Naval Point – Te Nukutai o Tapoa Development Project.