Naval Point - Te Nukutai o Tapoa Development Update

SailGP confirms return to Christchurch for Season 4 New Zealand event

SailGP has confirmed that the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will return to Christchurch for its season 4 iteration on 23-24 March, 2024. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Thursday 14 December at 10am through ticketek.co.nz. 

 SailGP global CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “After extensive consideration and consultation with our partners, we’re delighted to confirm that the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will be staged once again on the spectacular Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour.”

“Christchurch has proven one of our very best events to date - with fantastic racing, thousands of fans and spectacular scenery in a natural amphitheatre setting. This is a perfect venue for the stadium-style, inner-harbour racing SailGP is known for around the world and we can’t wait to bring more fans closer to the action with additional grandstands planned for next year's event.”

Christchurch City Council is working with race organisers to support the event. 

Lyttelton Recreation Ground redevelopment on track

The Lyttelton Recreation Ground redevelopment is progressing to schedule. Relevelling has been completed on the Stage 1 area (the eastern side of the ground nearest to Godley Quay), and a new sports field profile has been rebuilt above the relevelled subgrade. This work involved importing a 200 mm deep layer of gravels and sand, before returning the topsoil that had previously been stripped off the area. The final step for the Stage 1 area is to sow the new grass. This is on track to be completed before Christmas.

Stage 2 work on the western side of the ground will follow in the new year. This area will undergo the same relevelling process that was carried out in Stage 1.

The new multi-sport zone will also be developed in the new year. This part of the project will include a court that can be used for either basketball or futsal, a new netball court and an artificial turf training ground.

The Recreation Grounds are on track to reopen before winter 2024, once all the new turf has grown in.

Council staff are working with the SailGP team to understand their requirements for their March 2024 event. 

Magazine Bay Marina demolition to finish in January

Another phase in the redevelopment of Naval Point - Te Nukutai o Tapoa will finish up in the New Year.

Council contractors Fulton Hogan started work to remove the Magazine Bay Marina in mid-September. After several delays caused by bad weather, the work is now expected to wrap up in January. Please note, the worksite will remain off-limits during the Christmas break. 

Council staff are looking into options for replacing the jumping jetty, as the wider redevelopment project continues.

A busy year ahead

The $27 million Naval Point – Te Nukutai o Tapoa Development Project will continue in 2024. Between the Magazine Bay Marina demolition wrapping up in January, SailGP returning in March, and the Recreation Grounds redevelopment on track to be finished ahead of winter, it's shaping up to be another busy year.

Further planned works, including a power upgrade, will continue up to the time the site is handed over to race organisers, SailGP.

Plans are also progressing well for the new changing facilities at the Recreation Grounds, with work scheduled to begin mid-2024. This phase will also include the addition of a landscaped corridor along the western side of the sports fields, and along the coastal area near the planned Canterbury Coastguard building. 

Council staff are also working with stakeholder groups around future marine upgrades, focusing on marine safety considerations, gear storage, and a new public and hand launch ramp.

Thank you for your patience while Council contractors and staff continue to work on site to develop Naval Point - Te Nukutai o Tapoa.