Watch: Player facilities and roof installation at new stadium

Kia ora koutou,

We are resending our monthly update as we had an issue with the video link. Apologies for any inconvenience. 

Take a look inside the new home of the Crusaders in the latest construction update from One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha.

Christchurch City Council Project Director Kent Summerfield provides a progress update on key works like the roof installation and fit out of the player facilities in the latest video update released today.

The project reached a significant milestone over the recent period with the commencement of the installation of the oculus roof trusses.

The roof trusses span the field of play, from east to west. Each roof truss is installed in three sections which are supported by huge hydraulic frames as they are welded into place.

The video also offers a look inside the ground floor of the west stand where the players’ facilities are located. Gib is up, painting is underway, and finishes like door frames are progressing well.

Elsewhere on site the steelwork installation on the northwest stand is well advanced, and concrete pours to level one have commenced. The northwest stand is the last area to be built out.

With the majority of key works occurring at height, we can be impacted by the weather, particularly the wind. But the team continue to make exceptional progress.

The Te Kaha Project remains on budget and on track for an April 2026 opening.

Progress snapshot

The team is firing on all cylinders as progress continues across the worksite. Check out some of the key progress that has been made over the last month.

Nine of 20 radial diaphragm modules have now been installed. Work to fill in the sections in between each module in the west and east stands has been progressing well over the last few weeks. Similar work in the south stand wrapped up last month, allowing the roof truss workstream to get underway.

Six roof trusses have been installed over the south stand (first two pictured), along Tuam Street.

The team of around 350 has collectively clocked over 1.1 million work hours so far.

Hydraulic frames have been installed on the field of play. These support sections of the roof as they're being welded into place.

Over 8,000 tonnes of steel has been installed in the stands and roof so far. Around 13,000 tonnes will go into the stadium in total.

Faces of Te Kaha: Ben Stuart

Position: Site Manager, The Connect Group

Day to day I… look after both the workers and client, making sure everyone has everything they need, whether it’s gear, materials or labour. We have 12 people working on site grouting the connections between the steel and concrete, sealing, installing waterproof membranes, and doing a bit of concrete cutting.

The best part of my job: I really enjoy the pressure, it keeps me thinking and on my toes. When I solve a problem, it gives me a huge boost.

Past projects: I ran the work on the Ryman Retirement Village in Riccarton. I’ve also recently worked on a restoration project at 96 Lichfield Street.

Outside of work... I do competitive cheerleading with the University of Canterbury team. I also like gymnastics and circus aerials. Working on my house keeps me busy too.

Surrounding streets progress update

Work continues on upgrading the streets and water network around the stadium.

Seven weeks into the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets package of works, over 1700m of new pipes have been installed.

Multiple crews are progressing along Barbadoes Street, Madras Street and Lichfield Street. Work includes upgrades to the water supply and wastewater network, as well as works recently approved the Council like renewing the stormwater infrastructure, and building new kerbs and footpaths.

Working intensively in multiple areas at once is the best way to reduce the duration of the works.

To allow the works to go ahead safely, a number of detours, lane closures, and other traffic management measures are in place. Unless you're visiting a local business or residence, please consider taking Fitzgerald Avenue or Montreal Street to avoid delays. 

Keep up to date with the latest impacts on the Isaac Construction website. 

Site progress photos

What to expect over the coming months

The next six months of the Te Kaha Project will see work continue on the superstructure bowl, and the roof installation getting underway.

Because of the huge size of the project, the different stages will overlap to streamline the process. That means as one phase of work progresses across the site (working from south to north), the next phase will follow closely behind it.

Q3 2024 - Radial roof column trusses will continue to be installed around the perimeter of the arena. Roof cantilevers will continue to be installed ahead of the roof steel erection that spans across the field of play. Internal fit-out works will progress to all stands. Concrete seating plats will continue to be installed progressively to the northwest stand and low levels of all stands.

Q4 2024 - Radial roof column trusses will continue to be installed at the northern end of the arena. Roof cantilevers will continue to be installed ahead of the roof steel erection that spans across the field of play. Cladding to the outside of the arena will commence and internal fit-out works will continue in all stands. Metalwork handrails will start being installed in the seating areas.