Network Waitaki Events Centre
Delivering a Highly Anticipated New Indoor Sports Facility for Ōamaru
The Network Waitaki Events Centre is a landmark community facility set to transform indoor sport and recreation in Ōamaru. Delivered under a design and build contract for Waitaki District Council, the centre provides a high-quality, future-focused venue designed to serve schools, sports clubs and the wider community for generations to come.
Meeting long-awaited community demand for a quality sports centre, the facility features six multifunctional indoor courts designed to accommodate basketball, netball and a wide range of other sports and events. In addition, a dedicated multi-use space that can cater for indoor cricket, including bowling machines, multi-ball interactive screen and various other activities, creating a year-round training environment for local players.
Key features include:
- Hevea PRO II sprung timber sports flooring
- Retractable seating system for adaptable event configurations
- A mezzanine viewing platform overlooking the courts
- Interactive multi-ball projector wall technology supporting multiple sporting codes
- Indoor cricket training facilities
- Use of Ōamaru stone as a key architectural feature to connect the building to its surrounds
Designed with inclusivity in mind, the facility caters for users of all ages and abilities with features such as wider doorways, accessible changing and shower facilities and a ceiling mounted sky hoist. Integration with the surrounding sports precinct was also a key consideration, with changing facilities accessible from both the indoor courts and adjacent rugby fields.
Built for both performance and sustainability
The centre combines performance, durability and environmental responsibility including:
- Rainwater harvesting tanks for future irrigation integration
- LED lighting with smart controls
- Thermally broken joinery separating climate-controlled spaces
- 100mm high-performance insulation over heated areas
- Provision for future EV charging infrastructure
- Secure bike parking facilities
Managing complexity, delivering certainty
The project team navigated numerous complexities whilst maintaining focus on programme, quality and cost certainty to deliver a high-quality project well under budget.
One key challenge was constructing a project on a site with a varied historical background, meaning the project required careful planning and coordination throughout. Unknown underground infrastructure and legacy site conditions were resolved through proactive investigation and close collaboration with stakeholders and service providers.
Strong community engagement
Throughout construction, strong community engagement helped build momentum and excitement for the new centre. Regular site tours, school visits and community walkthroughs kept locals connected to progress, while Apollo’s investment in free water safety lessons at the Waitaki Aquatic Centre reflected our commitment to supporting the community beyond the build. The result is a modern, flexible and inclusive venue designed to host events, tournaments and recreational activity for decades to come, with the site also future-proofed for further expansion, including the potential for additional courts and a grandstand.
