Work on Ōamaru’s long-awaited Network Waitaki Event Centre is expected to begin in April.

Waitaki District Councillors have awarded the design and build contract to Christchurch firm Apollo Projects, which has delivered projects such as the Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre, and the Christchurch Netball Centre at Ngā Puna Wai.

Detailed designs are expected to be available early next year, with an anticipated site construction beginning in April, a council spokesperson said.

The council is contributing $15 million dollars of the $32 million dollar price tag, along with funding secured from Network Waitaki, the Otago Community Trust, the Lotteries Facilities Fund and many community donors, through a concerted fundraising effort by members of the Event Centre Trust.

The centre build, which will be at Centennial Park, has been split into two stages, the first will involve the demolition of the existing Centennial Park grandstand, at a cost of $300,000, and the construction of the new six-court, multipurpose facility alongside that site.

The new facility will have meeting and conference spaces, moveable seating and provide an indoor alternative to the current outdoor netball courts on Taward Street.

Sports people who use the facilities in the grandstand pegged for demolition, will be accommodated within the changing rooms of the new events centre, until a second stage of the project, involving the construction of replacement grandstand seating, additional changing rooms and toilet facilities, and office space for field sporting codes operating out of Centennial Park, can take place.

This is expected to cost an extra $4m, on top of the current $32m target.

The estimated construction time is around two years, and the contract is fixed-price, meaning any cost overruns would not require further funding.

The current pool of money for the centre remains about $3.7m short of its initial target, and the Event Centre Trust is continuing with its fundraising efforts.

Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher said after a lot of work by a lot of people, it is good to approve the contract.

“A key aspect of that work has ensured that any risk associated with the project is minimised as much as possible to protect ratepayers. 

“The Network Waitaki Event Centre will be a great boost to our community, providing much needed indoor recreational space, and benefit the local economy by attracting other events.”

Apollo Projects Director and owner Paul Lloyd said the company is extremely proud to deliver the design and build of the centre. 

“We will draw on our extensive experience in the delivery of sports and events centres, and can’t wait to see this exciting project take shape. 

“Our organisation is committed to contributing back to the communities we live and work in and is looking forward to the opportunity to do so on this project.”

Further visuals of the possible design concept can be found on the Waitaki District Council website.