Demolition making way for family playground in Chch

Contractors are setting up on site at the Centennial Pool complex in central Christchurch today in preparation for the demolition of the facility beginning next week.

The Centennial Recreation and Sport Centre is the last building remaining on the site of the new Margaret Mahy Family Playground which is being developed in the block bordered by Manchester, Armagh and Madras Streets and Oxford Terrace, as part of the Avon River Precinct and North and East Frames.

Christchurch Central Development Unit director Warwick Isaacs says the demolition is a significant step for the playground, and will allow the construction work to begin later this year.

"We are creating what will be one of the most amazing playgrounds in New Zealand, and potentially the world, and we are all very excited about seeing it come to life. It will have a huge range of play areas and equipment, and by virtue of bordering the East Frames residential area, I know it will quite quickly become a busy, popular place for children of all ages and their families."

Mr Isaacs says the complex will be demolished by a high reach excavator and the job will take around eight weeks to complete. It is being carried out by Jurgens Demolition.

The demolition will have little impact on traffic using the surrounding roads as the pool complex is set back from the street.

"But as with many demolitions, this will be of interest, so we just ask that people take care while in the area," Mr Isaacs says.

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Demolition making way for family playground in Chch