Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport Centre
Apollo Projects
Built on the site of the original QEII stadium and pools, constructed for the 1974 Commonwealth Games and destroyed in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Taiora QEII brought a much-loved facility back to East Christchurch. Delivered by Apollo Projects for Christchurch City Council in a 15-month build and opened in May 2018, the centre features five pools including a 25-metre 10-lane competition pool, a 120-metre AquaSphere hydroslide (a New Zealand first), spa, sauna and a comprehensive fitness centre. An estimated 22,000 people came through the doors on opening weekend.
Time-lapse Coverage
Blackbox documented the build of this landmark earthquake-recovery project, one of our international engagements, capturing the centre rising from remediated swampland rammed with aggregate piers through to the finished aquatic halls. The time-lapse record shows a community facility, and a piece of East Christchurch's identity, being brought back to life.