Mayor Lianne Dalziel officially opened the $4.5 million multi-use Rārākau: Riccarton Centre on Tuesday.
However, the centre has not been without controversy after the consultation process over its design came under fire recently.
Riccarton resident Garth Wilson slammed the city council after it did not consult the public on changes it made to its original design for the new centre.
- Consultation for new $4.5m community centre criticised
- $4.5m community centre to open before Christmas
The two-storey centre, with a floor area of 760 sq m, in Clarence St replaces the earthquake-damaged building on the former city council site next door.
"Rārākau: Riccarton Centre has been purpose-built to serve the local area for generations to come," Ms Dalziel said.
"It builds on the strengths of the local community, reinforcing connections and ties in a shared space.
"As we celebrate the rebuilding of this core community facility, we can take in the wonderful design inspired by nearby Pūtaringamotu-Riccarton Bush.
"The name, Rārākau - specially gifted by Ngāi Tuahuriri - also reflects the local native bush and rākau (trees), further uniting the new centre with the area."
It includes community spaces, city council customer services areas, and a meeting venue for the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board, along with space for support staff.
The kahikatea trees of Riccarton Bush have inspired the tall exterior feature columns and the building’s colours.
Sustainability has also been central to the project, with roof-mounted solar panels powering the energy supply.
The fully accessible centre includes a ramp at the entrance, while a deck opens off the main hall on the ground floor.
The Rārākau: Riccarton Centre Customer Services area will be open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
