New name for Canterbury Arena

HORNCASTLE Arena is the new name of Christchurch’s biggest indoor venue, the CBS Canterbury Arena, after local residential building company Horncastle Homes secured the major naming rights sponsorship of the venue.

The Horncastle logo was revealed atop the arena tonight (July 23, 2014) as CBS relinquished its naming rights sponsorship following a merger with Heartland Bank.

Managing director Bill Horncastle says the Horncastle Arena sponsorship is a long-term commitment to the people of Canterbury.

He describes the arena as a stunning building and good all-round facility that has been enjoyed by the wider community, including Horncastle’s clients and staff.

“I’ve seen Rod Stewart and Neil Diamond at the arena, I’ve been to sporting events, home shows and school events, so this investment was very much about building a positive future for the city,” says Bill.

“Our sponsorship sends the message that Horncastle Homes is here for the long-haul. We’ve been operating in Canterbury for more than 20 years and want our customers to have confidence that we will be here in another 20 years time.”

Bill says many building companies were quick to try and catch a ride on the rebuild wave, and notes smaller operators are already starting to fall by the wayside. He believes that some of the mid to large sized operators don’t have staff with the right skills and experience – an issue he predicts will cause problems with the huge residential rebuild.

“We’ve taken a slightly different approach because we want to be sure Horncastle is in a position to honour our building guarantees.”

Originally from Westport, Bill has worked as a builder since he was 16-years-old and landed his first commercial project aged 20 – a major extension of Karamea Area School.

The family-owned Horncastle group has operated in Canterbury since the 1990s, and employs a large staff of experienced professionals in a wide range of disciplines. Horncastle ranks among the region’s top five homebuilding companies.

Unlike other group homebuilders, Horncastle Homes doesn’t offer standard plans, which means all homes are designed according to their customer’s requirements, property location and relationship with adjoining properties.

In another branch of the business, Horncastle undertakes residential land developments, offering turnkey yet individualised homes to owner occupiers, as well as a specialised service for investors that involves an initial guaranteed rental return. As a result Horncastle is Canterbury’s largest privately owned residential property management company with more than 900 properties on its books.

The business is led by an experienced board of directors and a general manager who work alongside Bill and his wife Mrrietta (CORRECT) Horncastle. Their two eldest sons are the next generation to join the Horncastle brand.

Mrrietta, a born and raised Canterbury local, says Horncastle’s motto of “We call Canterbury home” is a true reflection of their ongoing commitment to Christchurch.

“There was no way we were ever going to the leave Christchurch after the earthquakes. We have five children and a business with many employees. This is our life, Canterbury is our life.

“Bill’s passion is building and Horncastle’s success and great reputation is a result of that passion.

Whether we are building a house or paying our subcontractors on time, Horncastle is a brand that you can trust.”

Many Christchurch residents looked to Horncastle Homes to help relocate their families following the February 2011 earthquake and have again sought Horncastle’s services as an approved rebuilder for all major insurance companies.

Horncastle will be working in partnership with venue management company Vbase to promote the Horncastle Arena.

Vbase general manager Darren Burden says the partnership brings new opportunities and Vbase is excited to be working with Horncastle to promote the arena.

“It is a fantastic, well-loved Canterbury venue so it is fitting that the arena be named after one of our leading home-building, investment and property management companies. We’re looking forward to working closely with Horncastle Homes, a company which has similar values to us, to ensure the community gets the most out of this venue and continues to enjoy it for many years to come.’’

The arena is Christchurch’s biggest indoor venue and regularly hosts international music acts, trade shows and sporting events.

“This sponsorship is our investment in the future of Christchurch and our way of giving back to the community which has supported us,” says Bill.

“Horncastle Homes is here to stay. We call Canterbury home and are proud to support the community through the rebuild of Christchurch and into the future.”

Ends

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