A new home
WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOS Hamish Hobbs BUILDER AND DESIGNER Apollo Projects
There has been talk of a purpose-built indoor centre for the city’s netball players since the 1980s, but it wasn’t until an anonymous donor gifted Christchurch Netball $10 million to strengthen local sport following the earthquakes that sods were turned.
Now, in 2024, this dream has materialised. Christchurch Netball Centre has found its home in the Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, moving from its original courts in Hagley Park. Its new development was also made possible thanks to the support of key funding organisations, including New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) and Rātā Foundation.
The 10,050 square metre Christchurch Netball Centre joins an athletics track and field, hockey pitches, rugby league fields, tennis courts, a centralised sports hub, and two grass multi-purpose community fields.
Delivered as a full design and build by Apollo Projects, the centre boasts ten international standard courts, offices, function spaces, changing facilities, a fully equipped kitchen and umpire space, and extensive off-street parking. It hosts netball, rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, and futsal.
Right from the get-go, the facility needed to meet the needs of Christchurch Netball, considering their budget.
Apollo Projects’ Gerry Sullivan (Canterbury, Otago, & Southland Regional Manager) says this is the first thing they consider when taking on a project like this, another in their growing sports facility portfolio.
“Apollo Projects looks at function then form.”
“We looked at what the community needed first and foremost. What Christchurch Netball needed was as many high-quality courts as possible.”
Aside from being able to play in all weather, the playing surface was a key element.
The 10 indoor courts have sprung wooden floors, which will have many a Cantabrian breathing a sigh of relief if they’ve ever spent time on the sidelines of asphalt netball courts. This not only improves safety but will also help netball grow and develop.
It is also insulated. There are Kingspan panels around the perimeter and an insulated roofing envelope. This roofing product has insulation and acoustics all in one.
“It’s great for when you have 10 games going at once with whistles blowing,” says Gerry.
Christchurch Netball Centre Board Chair Anna Galvan mentions that accessibility and safety were also key.
“Netball was created as a sport that offered a safe space for women; we’re proud to carry on the legacy with this purpose-built space.”
“Because of this facility, we can have a better quality of netball.”
Alongside improving the player and spectator experience, its place as a gathering space is important to Christchurch Netball.
Anna says that a big part of their role is to engage and advocate for their community, something that is made easier by their purpose-built facility.
“We are committed to supporting and growing our volunteer network because the future of the game relies on volunteers who feel motivated and valued.”
Programmes include No Limits Netball, catering to players with disabilities; Nettabury, an adapted game for ages 2–5, coach and umpire development; and a community campaign to improve positive engagement in sport.
With so much on offer, access was vital, and this meant Apollo Projects delivered an additional 450 carparks but designed them in a positive way.
Gerry says, “The aim was to draw people in that way through bridges and pathways and native bush. Extensive planting by Rough Milne and Mitchell helped us to achieve that narrative.”
Anna mentions that Apollo Projects delivered the project to budget and on time.
Simon Wall, Apollo Projects’ General Manager of Strategic Relationships, says this is thanks to their in-house approach.
“The client came out with a brief and a budget. They expected to only be able to deliver eight courts for that – we delivered 10.”
“We’re a true design and build contractor, and we take full accountability for the project from start to finish. We’re sitting at the table with our client, our consultants, and our internal team right from the start. That means we fully understand the client, working together to get the right outcome.”
“Through the likes of Christchurch Netball Centre, we know that we can deliver these projects with a very high quality and functional output. If you’re getting things built and people using them, you’re getting better outcomes for our communities to be healthier and fitter.”
Anna also mentions their consultant from TSA Management, Gabrielle Fuller. She acted as their representative in the construction.
Anna says, “She’s a sporting advocate and deeply passionate about bringing netball into the future.”
Sport is also important to Apollo Projects, and Christchurch Netball Centre is just one of their many projects, making their expertise invaluable.
“Because we have been involved in so many sports facilities, we understand how to build these spaces – from compliance to how to use the facilities. This helps us get the clients off to a running start,” says Simon.
This extends to the scholarships and funds they have available, targeted at school sports, swim safety lessons, and as a principal sponsor for Swimming New Zealand.
Simon says that they stand by these sponsorships. “Our commitment is to make sure kids stay in sport as long as possible.”