Chair named for Christchurch Stadium project

Christchurch City Council has named Murray Strong as Chair of the company that will manage the construction of the city's new 25,000-seat multi-purpose stadium.

Strong - who has worked on various other projects in Christchurch, including the city’s bus interchange, a metro sports facility and the convention centre - becomes the first appointment to the new team and he will advise on the make-up of the rest of the board.

In March, the New Zealand Government approved $220 million in funding for the Christchurch Regeneration Acceleration Fund in order to build the new stadium project. The overall cost of the project is currently estimated at $473 million, with Christchurch City Council contributing the remaining $253 million

Strong's appointment follows have announced in February that it was seeking directors for the new company that will oversee the development of the venue. Enabling works are set to begin this year.

The venue will be built on a Crown (New Zealand Government)-owned block of land between Madras, Barbadoes, Hereford and Tuam streets. Both the Crown and the Council have approved the investment case for the stadium.

Strong currently serves as the interim executive director of New Zealand’s Institute of Skills and Technology.

Construction of the new venue is due to commence next year with a completion date set for 2024.

Image: Artist's impression of the new venue in concert mode. Courtesy of Christchurch City Council.