Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre in Christchurch is set to undergo a phased closure for scheduled maintenance and refurbishment, with work beginning in early December.

The stadium will close first on Monday, 9 December, followed by the rest of the facility on Monday, 6 January.

Spaces will reopen in stages from early to late February, depending on the extent of work required in each area.

Nigel Cox, Head of Recreation, Sport and Events at Christchurch City Council, said the closures were timed to minimise disruption.

“This period is traditionally quieter, with many regular visitors preparing for Christmas or away on holiday. We also have additional pool options during this time with Waltham, Jellie Park, and Te Hāpua Halswell summer pools open.”

The facility will see several upgrades, including new flooring and a ground-source heating system for the Learn to Swim Pool and main pool hall.

The gym and group fitness studios will undergo earthquake repairs, with updates to flooring, window replacements, internal reconfigurations, and improved equipment connectivity. Accessibility enhancements are also planned for the ground-floor toilets.

In the stadium, a new clean heating system will replace the existing diesel boiler, aiming to reduce the facility’s carbon emissions.