24 | Amalgamated Builders: Lancaster Park T T Kim Newth Lancaster Park coming back to life The building’s exterior features Formance panels and Weathertex timber cladding complemented by durable ColorSteel roofing. Inside, the design emphasises strength and longevity. “This is a good, solid building that delivers real value for ratepayers. During construction, we had many council teams and community members visiting the site – the feedback throughout the process was overwhelmingly positive.” The historic Lancaster Park redevelopment has taken another major step forward with the completion of a brand-new community centre and modern changing facilities, marking a significant boost for sporting clubs and community groups in Christchurch’s southeast. Amalgamated Builders Limited (ABL) proudly delivered the design-and-build project, which provides versatile, high-quality amenities for the local community. The new community centre, available for hire, features a multi-use functions space with a commercial-grade kitchen capable of catering for around 100 people. Adjacent to it, the new changing rooms offer modern toilet, shower and changing facilities for local sports teams using the park grounds. The new facility encompasses a total floor area of 366sqm, carefully designed to balance functionality and community use. The layout comprises two distinct sections – one housing the community centre and the other the changing room facilities – linked by a covered walkway that provides convenient, all-weather access between the spaces. Across the facility, there are eight modern showers and 13 toilets, strategically distributed to meet the needs of the community. The design ensures efficient circulation, privacy, and accessibility, allowing the facilities to comfortably accommodate busy sporting schedules and community events. The building’s exterior features Formance panels and Weathertex timber cladding complemented by durable ColorSteel roofing. Inside, the design emphasises strength and longevity: the changing rooms include pre-finished flooring and Whiterock wall finishes in the showers to withstand heavy use. The community centre’s kitchen is equipped with a heavy-duty dishwasher and commercial-grade appliances, while the facility is protected by an integrated security system. “Lancaster Park holds a very special place in the city’s history, so we’re really honoured to have played a part in its redevelopment,” says Gareth Wilmshurst, ABL’s Canterbury general manager. “We led the design and build of the new community centre and changing rooms in close collaboration with the Christchurch City Council’s project team. “It was a smooth and efficient design process, working alongside our partners Co-Studio Architects and Quoin Structural Engineers – the same team we partnered with on the Coastguard Canterbury headquarters, a key project in the Lyttelton Naval Point redevelopment.” Construction began in February 2025, with ABL’s experienced site team supported by specialist subcontractors. The project progressed efficiently, and the new facilities were officially handed over to the Christchurch City Council in late October 2025. While the community centre and changing rooms sit under one roofline, they function as two separate buildings connected by a covered walkway. Gareth describes the design as “modern, functional and no-nonsense”. “We didn’t want to draw any focus away from the park itself,” he explains. “This is a good, solid building that delivers real value for ratepayers. During construction, we had many council teams and community members visiting the site – the feedback throughout the process was overwhelmingly positive.” Founded in 1972 through a partnership between two Invercargill builders, Amalgamated Builders Limited has grown into one of the South Island’s most respected construction companies, with offices in Invercargill, Queenstown, Dunedin and Canterbury. ABL Canterbury continues to expand its community-focused portfolio, with current projects including the Pegasus Community Centre and a new medical facility in Rangiora. “We’re pleased to be growing our presence in North Canterbury,” Gareth says. “These community buildings are great to be part of – they make a real difference for the people who use them.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT www.quoin.co.nz Level 2, 138 Victoria Street Christchurch 8011 03 968 4925 Quoin endeavour to be an integral part of your design process and to generate greater value for your building development. Our fast, flexible, friendly team develops building design solutions of precision and excellence. Proudly supporting Amalgamated Builders CONSTRUCTION • DESIGN & BUILD • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • SUPPLY CHAIN 03 341 2170 | Unit 2, 21 Birmingham Drive www.abl.co.nz | christchurch@abl.co.nz
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