A newly released time-lapse video reveals eight months of consistent progress on Christchurch’s highly anticipated new stadium, beginning from bare foundations and advancing to the installation of the first section of the roof on the south stand along Tuam Street.
Filmed from November 2023, the video captures key milestones, starting just before work commenced on the roof support structure, and culminating last week with the installation of the initial roof section.
“We have a team of around 350 currently working on site to deliver the project, and collectively we’ve just hit the one million work hours mark. It’s great to be able to look back and see how far we’ve come,” says Te Kaha Project Delivery Chief Executive David Kennedy.
“Week to week, the team on site are making noticeable progress. The seating bowl, hosting facilities in the west stand, and the roof structure are all tracking well,” says Mr Kennedy.
Currently, 28 of the 37m tall roof supports, known as radial trusses, have been fabricated and assembled around the seating bowl.
“We will finish up the last twelve radial trusses early next year, and continue installing the roof into mid-2025,” adds Mr Kennedy.
The roof, made from steel and a transparent material called Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), will be a prominent feature of the structure.
The video also highlights the advancements made on the seating bowl, including the installation of 1188 concrete seating plats, which form the tiered stands.
“The remaining 500 seating plats are being installed in the lower stands, and will soon start in the northwest stand. Then we will move on to installing handrails, stairs and seats,” says Mr Kennedy.
“People can clearly see the excellent progress being made at the stadium, and it’s visible from many of the properties we are currently selling. This has been a significant motivator for buyers who recognise that concerts, Rugby, and other events will drive demand for Airbnb accommodation. Additionally, those looking to live in the city are eager to secure their spot close to the action, knowing that the stadium will soon become a central hub of entertainment and activity.” says Vivacity Realty director Aaron Pero.
Te Kaha will boast 25,000 permanent seats, with the flexibility to expand to 30,000 for major sporting events. The arena will have a maximum capacity of 36,000 when configured for concerts.
The Te Kaha Project continues to remain on budget and on schedule, with an anticipated opening in April 2026.
