The Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct has moved a step closer to reality with the signing of the contract for its construction.

The deal, approved by Cabinet on 30 June 2014, will see Fletcher Construction take on the important role of building the new multi-agency facility. The contract was signed at the Ministry of Justice’s national office in Wellington on Tuesday 15 July, 2014.

Ministry of Justice Chief Executive Andrew Bridgman, who signed on behalf of the Ministry, says he looks forward to working with Fletcher Construction on what will be one of the key anchor projects in the recovery of Christchurch.

“It’s especially encouraging to see Fletcher Construction’s commitment to complete construction by the end of 2016, six months ahead of schedule. Construction has started, and it will be exciting to watch the progress on-site,” Mr Bridgman says.

Fletcher Construction chief executive Graham Darlow says at its peak, 700 workers will be employed on-site, with many more in associated industries supplying products and services.

“A project of this magnitude has never been done in Christchurch, and that will require the broad use of local sub-contractors, supported where necessary by national and international partners,” Mr Darlow said.

The precinct will house the Ministry of Justice and 19 courtrooms; New Zealand Police; Department of Corrections; New Zealand Fire Service; St John New Zealand; Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management; Canterbury Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group; and Christchurch City Council Civil Defence and Emergency Management.