As the city continues to rebuild, new projects, buildings and businesses are popping up all over the place.
Christchurch Central Library, Turanga
Very close to completion now are the brand new Christchurch Central Library, called Turanga which is located on the edge of Cathedral Square opposite the now under construction Convention Centre.
The five storey library will be the largest in the South Island and is due to open in October 2018. It will feature up to 100 computers, an innovation zone for trialling new technology, 3D and laser printers, music, film and video editing studios, two roof terraces and accessible balconies, a playground, a cafe and more than 175,000 books.
Hoyts Central, Colombo Street opposite the Bus Interchange
Right in the heart of the city, the newest and most innovative movie theatre complex in the South Island is also nearing completion, and has a September completion date. It marks the return of the cinema chain to central Christchurch following the demolition of their 8 screen Moorhouse Avenue complex in 2012.
The seven-screen complex will have a food precinct on the ground floor with 17 dining outlets, two very large cinema screens and two screens featuring luxury seating and food-and-drink service. Every seat will have a recliner style chair.
Nando’s, Joe’s Garage and Auckland gastropub Cleaver & Co will be among the restaurants in the emporium area of the complex. The food offering would be similar to the popular Little High eatery on St Asaph St, which has a variety of food outlets opening out onto a central indoor seating area.
Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River Trail
For those who are interested in exploring the city and like to get in some exercise at the same time, the new Te Ara Otakaro Avon River trail has recently been completed. This is a pathway that is suitable for pedestrians or cyclists and winds from the central city through the residential Red Zone and out to Pages Road, which isn’t far from the coast.
More info and a map are on the Christchurch City Council site here.
The Arts Centre of Christchurch
The Arts Centre of Christchurch has been a wonderful drawcard for Christchurch over the years and has now had more than half it’s buildings brought back to life in an extensive post-quake restoration project. Among other things it is home to numerous retailers, restaurants/cafes, the University of Canterbury’s School of Music and Teece Museum of Antiquities, Rutherford’s Den and much more.
Check out what events and activities are on year round through the Arts Centre website.
One of the highlights coming up very soon is the Botanic Garden D’Lights which this year will be including part of the Arts Centre in the interactive displays. Find out more here.
