Geotechnical drilling begins at Canterbury Arena site

Geotechnical investigations began this week to determine the condition of the land as part of the Investment Case being prepared for the Arena. In total, 81 separate tests will be undertaken to give detailed information across the entire site.

Drilling is now underway at the Canterbury Arena site as part of early work to fast-track the project.

Geotechnical investigations began this week to determine the condition of the land as part of the Investment Case being prepared for the Arena. In total, 81 separate tests will be undertaken to give detailed information across the entire site.

The information will allow the Investment Case to consider the most favourable areas for construction, assess options for the arena layout, develop conceptual designs for the form of the arena and its foundations, and evaluate any uncertainties related to the ground conditions.

Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods says the work underway this week fulfils the promise to get the project moving.

"The message from people who attended our arena workshop in October was to get started. We heard this call and we're cracking on with the work needed to get the site ready and get the Investment Case fit for purpose.

"Early work will ensure we have the best information right from the start to feed-in to the design process. We know that similar ground conditions exist across the city, from other work already underway.

"These tests will help fill in the gaps and provide robust information for the planning process. We'll be discussing the findings of this early work as part of ongoing workshops and forums with key community and interest groups to ensure we get an arena that meets the needs of our region."

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says progress on the project will provide another boost for the city and wider region.

"The opportunities that this project will enable upon completion will make an enormous difference to the city and the region.

"We'll see more enabling work carried out over coming months as the Investment Case progresses so that the project can get underway as soon as possible and not suffer delays due to ground preparations not being completed."

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)