The Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct is expected to open sometime after 1 July 2017, the Ministry of Justice says.

The $300 million Precinct will bring together all justice and emergency services in one purpose-built, leading-edge precinct in the centre of the city.

Construction began in July 2014 and it was hoped the contractor Fletcher Construction would complete their building in late March 2017.

“We expect agencies will move into the Precinct during the third quarter of 2017.  The Ministry is currently negotiating to extend the lease on its current premises,” a ministry spokesman says.

“Fletcher Construction Company has revised its hand-over date for the Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct.  Fletcher Construction has committed to handing over the Justice Building by 30 June 2017 and the Emergency Services Building by 14 July 2017.

“After the building hand-over the tenants of the building will begin the fit-out of their new spaces.  Many of the spaces are complex and specialised, and support critical public services.  Because of their nature it is vital to ensure these areas are fully tested and functional before occupation occurs,” the spokesman says.

“We expect agencies will move into the Precinct during the third quarter of 2017.”

In his column for the latest New Zealand Law Society Canterbury-Westland branch magazine Canterbury tales, Canterbury-Westland President Craig Ruane said: “We were to have moved in over the Easter week. Current rumours seems to suggest July, August, or even later. Some delays are probably expected in a project of this size.”

“It would be nice to know when the precinct was opening,” Mr Ruane says.

An estimated 2,000 people will work in or use the 42,000 square metre five-floor Precinct every day. It will be located on the block defined by Lichfield, Colombo, Tuam and Durham Streets.