New Christchurch Central Police station [time-lapse video]

This time-lapse video highlights the months of work, effort and materials that went into the construction of the new Christchurch Central Police Station.  

The station was officially opened on Thursday by the Minister of Police and Corrections, Hon. Anne Tolley.  

The purpose-built 7500 square metre police station, incorporates the Department of Corrections Southern Regional Office, as well as the Southern Communications Centre for Police and Fire Service emergency calls.  

Construction of the new building began last May, and the first staff  - 500 Police staff and 40 Corrections Services managers - moving in just seven months later. Total construction time to handover has been nine months.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles said the rapid build time made the project extremely challenging.  

"This project has been completed in about a third of the time it normally takes to design, plan and build a major police station. It's been an outstanding effort from everyone involved.”  

"This is a very different environment from the premises we've occupied in the past. It's modern, spacious and high-tech - and having so many of our staff on one site is encouraging us all to work more collaboratively."  

The complex also meets IL4 earthquake design standards for a post-disaster facility.  

Police expect to remain in the building for around five to eight years, while a long-term facility is developed as part of the new Justice Sector Precinct in the central city.

See more details on the new Christchurch Central Police Station here.