HYDROSLIDES ARE GO

Hydroslides are go Five eel-inspired hydroslides are starting to take shape at Christchurch’s Parakiore Five eel-inspired hydroslides are starting to take shape at Christchurch’s Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, with Recreation and Sport Centre, with installation work now underway. installation work now underway.

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The 32,000m2 indoor sports and aquatics facility is being delivered by Crown company Ōtākaro Limited and will be operated by Christchurch City Council.

Ōtākaro Chief Executive, John Bridgman, says the slides range in height from nine to 12 metres and are made up of around 800 pieces of fi breglass.

“It took 10 shipping containers to get all the sections of the slides here, so it’s no surprise these are going to be the biggest and best indoor hydroslides in New Zealand.

“The trapdoor hydroslide, which sends riders hurtling down at around 40 kilometres per hour, will be a drawcard for the central city.”

Swimplex Aquatics Project Manager, Murray Booth, says the installation process is incredibly complex.

“In some places there are seven sections of hydroslide between the ground and the sky because of the way they exit, twist, drop, then re-enter Parakiore.

It’s challenging work, but we’re lucky we get to build something that is solely being put here to bring joy into people’s lives.”

Ōtākaro, Christchurch City Council and Matapopore have worked closely on the design of the hydroslides.

Council’s Head of Recreation, Nigel Cox, says the slides have been designed to resemble silver-bellied eels in an eel pot.

“This unique and authentic colour scheme gives the hydroslides added meaning and will make the St Asaph Street entrance to Parakiore a memorable sight.”

Installation of the hydroslides’ external sections will be carried out in stages over the next six months.

Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre is being built by CPB Contractors. Construction is expected to be completed around the middle of 2023.

Scott Fisher

Manufacturing new talent

For the o site manufacturing (OSM) building industry to meet future demand, focus is needed on workforce development and recruitment. This was a key fi nding of the O site NZ’s recent industry workforce survey.

Osite manufacturing (OSM) involves the construction of buildings and components of buildings o site in a factory, which are then transported to the sites where they are needed.

Scott Fisher, O site NZ CEO says the o site manufacturing industry has seen unprecedented growth in the past 10 years, with the value of consents doubling, from fi ve percent to 10 percent of total consents, according to separate analysis. Huge growth opportunities face the industry, as well as career opportunities for those with the right skills, he adds.

“Overall, the survey results solidifi ed much of what industry players already knew, but also presented some surprises.”

Scott says that survey respondents appear confi dent that the o site manufacturing industry faces a bright future, but are also realistic about the challenges. These include attracting new talent to the industry, to keep pace with the increase in demand and with

vacancies caused by workers retiring or leaving it. One pleasant revelation was the higher proportion of females in the OSM workforce compared with traditional construction – 25 percent versus 13 percent. Still, there is much room for improvement, he says. “The OSM industry needs to be promoted as a fulfi lling career option to all demographics to achieve better diversity all round. “Without positive intervention in workforce development and recruitment, manufacturers could be left unable to fulfi l orders, workers becoming overworked, and ultimately 91 Waterloo Road | curtisdesigns.co.nz | 022 301 6479 builders and consumers could lose confi dence in the market,” Scott TINY HOUSES FOR SALE 91 Waterloo Road | curtisdesigns.co.nz | 022 301 6479 concluded. Key fi ndings may be found at www.o sitenz.com

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Luxury living at Castle Hill

Options for holidays, weekends away and even retirement just became easier with the new limited edition Castle Hill Apartments currently on the market.

Imagine hopping in the car on a Friday after work, driving just over an hour and then relaxing in your very own luxury apartment. Now you can, thanks to this new architecturally designed holiday accommodation.

The one and two-bedroom apartments are exquisitely detailed and beautifully fi nished, featuring natural wood and stone, top-of-the range appliances, the option of a granite bench top and air-conditioning to ensure every day’s outdoor adventure ends with an evening cocooned in comfort.

Matthew Heazlewood of Bayleys Christchurch says the Castle Hill Apartments set a new standard for holiday accommodation, with a choice of one or two bedrooms, designer kitchens with granite benchtops, glorious views, and the reassurance of solid low-maintenance construction.

With a choice of four ski fi elds nearby, the Craigieburn Valley is a natural choice for powder hounds and cross country skiers. When the snow melts, it’s time to explore the vast network of tramping tracks and world-class rock climbing in the Castle Hill and Flock Hill limestone bouldering fi elds.

“Thrill seekers can explore the environment on two wheels, with mountain biking trails right on your doorstep.

Or, if you prefer a slower way of life, rest assured there’s always something for you at Castle Hill; the lakes and rivers of the Canterbury High Country o er highly praised fi shing, or simply relax and soak up the fresh air and star-fi lled night sky from your hot tub.

“You truly can enjoy the best of both worlds,” explains Matthew.

Prices for the high-spec, Aspeninfl uenced apartments start from $439,000, and several have sold already. To secure your luxury apartment, call Matthew on 0800 147 147, email him at matthew.heazlewood@bayleys.co.nz or visit one of the websites below.

www.castlehillapartments.co.nz www.matthewheazlewood.bayleys.co.nz

Matthew Heazlewood

Residential and Lifestyle Specialist matthewheazlewood.bayleys.co.nz