Construction Of Pacific Events Centre Set To Begin
The Counties Manukau Pacific Trust responsible for establishing a community multipurpose events centre in Manukau, known
now as the TelstraClear Pacific, has met all the conditions required by Manukau City Council and that means the green
light has been given to commence the first stage of construction within weeks. The Trust has also been successful in
obtaining further sponsorship funding for the project.
Noel Robinson, Chairman of the Trust, said, “ We are extremely happy with the council's continued support and we have
been working very hard over the last three months to meet the requirements of the due diligence team. This has been a
very extensive and detailed process and we now look forward to turning earth on the project late in November.”
Over the last three months the Trust developed the design further and confirmed funding arrangements. Involvement of
user groups in the design process has continued and the planning included commissioning experts within specialist fields
such as theatre design, acoustics, structural and services engineers, which has resulted in a greatly enhanced facility.
"The enhancements have added approximately $3.7 million to the construction cost which has been covered by the Trust
gaining further confirmed sponsorships, details of which will be announced publicly at a later date,” said Richard
Jeffery, CEO of the Trust.
The events centre will have a 700-seat performing arts theatre along side a 2500 seat indoor arena and associated
function rooms, and an outdoor plaza area with ample car parking. Mr Jeffery said, "It will provide a venue for all the
people of Manukau to enjoy excellence in art, culture, leisure facilities and business conferencing, and a place to
celebrate our diversity."
The Trust, formed in September 2000, has raised in excess of $38 million of which Manukau City Council has contributed
$9 million plus land. “ Trustees have given over 3000 hours of voluntary time to the project and it is truly rewarding
to see it go ahead and deliver the vision of providing Manukau with a heart," said Noel Robinson.
Manukau deputy mayor Ann Candy says the council is delighted that construction is to get underway. " The events centre
is going be a showpiece for the city. The architecture will be striking and it will be the kind of adaptable venue that
Manukau needs to reflect our multicultural population and our size. We will soon surpass Christchurch as the second
largest city in New Zealand. At the moment we have none of the facilities that mark a mature city and add so much to the
atmosphere and quality of life.
"I expect the TelstraClear Pacific events centre will become a tremendous drawcard and kick off other initiatives to
inject life and soul into Manukau city centre, enhancing the city's image. Every major city needs a heart, a place that
is lively and exciting to visit. The Pacific complex will help create that for Manukau.”