Crown Infrastructure Delivery says the design of Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre reflects both its impressive scale and its strong focus on community connection.

At over 30,000 square metres, the long-awaited complex is one of the largest facilities of its kind in New Zealand, and a striking addition to the city’s central area.

A Crown Infrastructure Delivery spokesperson said the design challenge was to break down the vast scale of the building while creating a welcoming, community-focused space.

“Parakiore’s ‘elegant shed’ design features two distinct zones—the wet and dry bars—visually defined through the use of contrasting white and dark cladding to provide balance and purpose.”

The white façade gently slopes from the dive tower down to the hydroslides, while the dark cladding rises from the community courts up to the show courts and grandstands.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling glass walls have been used throughout the centre to create a sense of openness and connection.

“The transparency allows people to remain visually connected to activities happening around them, creating an inviting and energising atmosphere,” the spokesperson said.

Parakiore isn’t just about sport and recreation, they said—it’s about creating a place that encourages people to explore, engage, and feel a part of the wider community.

“Every element of the design supports that vision.”