New Hornby community facility build to go out to tender

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

The job of building Hornby’s new $35.7 million multi-use community facility is about to go out to the market.

Christchurch City Council has approved the project’s procurement plan, which means construction can now go out to tender.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the aim was for construction to begin in early 2021 with the facility opening towards the end of 2022.

“This is very welcome news for the community, who have been campaigning for years to have a facility like this to fill the very real gap in library and recreation services in their corner of town. This new community facility is going to be a good investment in Hornby’s future and will provide work for our local construction sector.”

The council is investing $35.7m into the centre which will be built on the east side of Kyle Park. An early works package will be tendered first, to get the site prepared, starting in early 2021. The main construction work will be tendered separately, and will get underway in midway through next year.

Architectural firm Warren and Mahoney developed the concept designs for the 4000 square metre Hornby Centre following discussions with the community.

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

There is also an espresso bar, a creative activities room, and multipurpose rooms that community groups can use for meetings.

A hydrotherapy pool could be included in the facility at a later date. The council said it was not currently in the scope of the project, but the Greater Hornby residents association and Hornby Rotary were coordinating a community fundraising effort so one could be added.