Christchurch Convention Centre is due to open in 2020 and will be called Te Pae meaning “a gathering place”

At an expected cost of $475 million for the building which is one of the government anchor projects this is going to be a big asset for Christchurch.

The stunning exterior design of the convention centre reflects the Ngāi Tahu creation story of the Southern Alps. Of brothers whose overturned waka became the South Island of New Zealand and when they climbed on top they turned to stone and became the mountains that comprise the Southern Alps.

Spanning around two blocks facing out onto Oxford Tce, Victoria Park, Colombo St and Cathedral Square, with the main entrance will face the Avon River.
This will mean it takes centre stage with the newly restored Town Hall only a few minutes’ walk away.

Able to accommodate 3000 people with an auditorium of 1300 – 1400, theatre capacity of 2,600 people, total of 21 meeting rooms, banquet seating of 1800 and an exhibition area able to take somewhere up to 200 booths. All this combined makes the convention centre “Te Pae “a world class offering in Christchurch.

CINZ say that Te Pae is a world-class venue purpose designed to be flexible and responsive to every event requirement. From boutique and intimate conferences for a few hundred, to grand large-scale conventions or trade exhibitions with a couple of thousand attendees, we can customise a space and experience to meet your unique needs.

The Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre will be a part of a new mix-used precinct that will link to an expanded education and arts precinct in the inner city. The wider precinct will contain generous public space along with retail outlets and restaurants.
With Crown land that has been earmarked for a five-star hotel adjoining the Christchurch convention centre, there is also the possibility that a new hotel will be constructed in the precinct which will further boost tourism and the economic performance of Christchurch.

The original convention centre that was destroyed by the earthquakes had capacity for up to 650 delegates and helped Christchurch lay claim to 24% of the national convention business.

Click here for an interesting interactive planner which is available and easily shows all of the adaptive and flexible function abilities of Te Pae making it a true Christchurch world class building.

Or take the Video Tour  of the stunning exterior that is to be.