Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has launched a ‘Taste of Te Pae’ pop-up hub to showcase the venue to prospective clients ahead of its planned opening later this year.
Launching today, the activation will operate for eight weeks until Saturday 15 May.
Te Pae Christchurch general manager Ross Steele said the pop-up hub had been developed partly in response to challenges caused by COVID-19.
“The events of the past year have obviously had an effect on construction timelines for the centre,” he said.
“While we expect to be open in the latter half of this year, we still want to be able to showcase the venue to current and prospective clients, as well as the local community.”
The pop-up hub, which will be located next to the convention centre site on Oxford Terrace, will include a food truck as well as activation areas featuring interactive displays, a virtual reality dome and information about the centre’s design, cultural narrative and the role of business events in the community.
The food truck, manned by Te Pae Christchurch’s executive chef, Desmond Davies, will feature food from the centre’s canapé and full-day menus, which have been designed with an emphasis on locally-sourced produce.
Special culinary collaborations with local suppliers are also being planned to further highlight the products on offer in Canterbury.
The activation area will include Te Pae Christchurch’s virtual reality walkthrough, developed by local company Jix Reality. Staff from across the business will also be on hand to meet with clients and members of the local community to answer questions and provide advice.
A true reflection of Te Pae Christchurch’s service standards, design and food, the pop-up hub has been designed using equipment, such as the food truck and outdoor furniture, that will feature in the centre once open.
