Christchurch's temporary AMI Stadium set for longer life

Christchurch's temporary AMI Stadium, constructed in less than 100 days after the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake and originally planned to have a lifespan of five years, is expected to be city's main sporting venue until at least 2022, as a result of uncertainty over the venue that will replace it.

While Christchurch City Council and other leaders are committed to building a new centrally located 35,000-seat roofed stadium, its potential $500 million cost and community opposition is set to delay opening of the new venue for up to eight years.

The Council is currently set to grant a $2 million loan to the Christchurch Stadium Trust, owner of the temporary Christchurch Stadium (formerly known as Rugby League Park), until 2022.

Meanwhile, Christchurch's new stadium, one of the flagship projects for the rebuilding of the city, has divided residents and city leaders because of its cost and where it sits on the list of rebuild priorities.

Recently elected Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel apparently wants to renegotiate the stadium contract agreed by the previous administation with the Government, although the Government is apparently reluctant to look at new funding arrangement beyond its current commitment for a $37 million contribution to the project.

Commenting on the situation, Christchurch City Council Central Development Unit Director Warwick Issacs recently told The Press "the tentative timeframe for delivery of the stadium is still 2019 at this stage.

"However, the timing is subject to a number of issues, including discussions between the Crown and Christchurch City Council."

The Christchurch Stadium Trust is working on the premise it could be 2022 before its temporary facility becomes redundant.

Located in the suburb of Addington, AMI Stadium (pictured above) was built at Rugby League Park to accommodate major sporting events following the Christchurch earthquakes in early 2011 which forced the closure of the 43,000-seat AMI Stadium (Lancaster Park) due to significant damage. The venue was completed in March 2012 playing host to Canterbury Crusaders home games in the Super Rugby competition.

Managed by Vbase, the Populous-designed Stadium includes two main grandstands and total seating for 18,600 including over 8,000 undercover while additional temporary seating can increase its seating to around 25,000. It also features corporate facilities and TV-standard lighting.

For more information go to www.vbase.co.nz/venues/ami-stadium#stadium-maps

10th September 2014 - CHRISTCHURCH VENUE MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION LOOKS FORWARD TO INDEPENDENCE

11th June 2013 - CHRISTCHURCH TEMPORARY STADIUM WINS MAJOR INTERNATIONAL HONOUR

29th June 2013 - NEW CHRISTCHURCH STADIUM TO COST MORE THAN $500 MILLION

29th October 2012 - CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL COMMITTED TO NEW CBD STADIUM