Check out these four preliminary design images for a look at what Christchurch's new stadium, the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, will look like.

The designs are by Christchurch-based architects Warren & Mahoney and international stadium design experts Populous, showing some views of the outside of the arena and a look at what the seating and field will look like from the top of the stands.

CMUA (Canterbury Multi-Use Arena) Project Delivery Ltd Board Chair Barry Bragg says the preliminary designs, developed by the Kōtui consortium, provide the most accurate picture yet of what the facility will look like once completed. “These designs crystallise our vision for the CMUA to be the most modern, fit-for-purpose arena in the country – a facility that leads the way from an innovation and sustainability perspective.’’

The CMUA will occupy much of the central Christchurch site bordered by Hereford, Barbadoes, Tuam and Madras streets. At 232 metres long, 195 metres wide and 36 metres high at its tallest point, the arena will seat up to 30,000 people for sporting events and up to 37,800 in concert mode.

"We know people are really excited about the prospect of having a covered arena in the heart of the city and we hope these preliminary designs will capture people’s imaginations and give them a glimpse of what is to come," Bragg says. "We are well on the way towards delivering Christchurch a world-class covered arena with high-quality acoustics that is capable of hosting top international music concerts as well as major international sporting fixtures."

The current design has a dome-shaped 'oculus'-style roof, an independent structure that is 175 by 210 metres.

Christchurch City Councillors will meet to approve the complete preliminary design package in January, with the developed design scheduled to be completed by April. The CMUA Board plans to deliver the world-class arena by 30 June, 2025.

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