Site for new multi-use Hornby centre blessed

The site where Hornby’s new multi-use community facility is going to be built has been blessed ahead of work starting on the multimillion-dollar project.

“With the site blessed, earth works can now start on site and the community can finally see physical progress being made on their new multi-use centre,’’ says Christchurch City Councillor Jimmy Chen, who represents the Hornby ward.

“The wider Hornby community have been campaigning for years to have a library, community and recreation centre in their suburb so today’s site blessing represents a real step forward. I know locals will be excited to see the diggers move on site in a couple of weeks and the physical works start.’’

The new $35.7 million centre has been designed by architectural firm Warren and Mahoney and is being built on the east side of Kyle Park to meet the community and recreational needs of the growing population living in the south-west of Christchurch.

The 3600 square metre centre will have a range of community and recreational spaces, including a library, creative activities room, a lane pool, a learn-to-swim pool, a toddlers’ wet play area, a spa pool and a customer services zone.

There will also be an expresso bar, and multipurpose rooms that community groups can use for meetings.

Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events Nigel Cox says a contractor, HEB Construction, has been appointed to carry out earth works on the site in preparation for a construction start in July.

“They will be on site from early March to excavate and backfill the land so that it is ready for the main contractor to start construction in the middle of the year. Our goal is to have the facility ready to open in December 2022,’’ Mr Cox says.

The community will be invited later this year to give their feedback on what programmes and services they would like to see provided from their new multi-use centre.

The new Hornby centre has been designed by Warren and Mahoney, with input from the community.