Council approves temporary stadium plan for Christchurch

Christchurch City Council (CCC) has approved plans for a new 18,600-seat temporary stadium to be built at the city's Rugby League Park.

The preferred option among a series of temporary venues considered, Rugby League Park will see existing damaged grandstands at the site demolished, followed by the installation of temporary grandstands. Its playing surface will also be upgraded for the Crusaders and Canterbury rugby teams.

The Crusaders Super Rugby team was forced to play all its 2011 Super Rugby fixtures away from home after being forced to move out of its AMI Stadium home following February's Canterbury earthquake.

While there had been hopes that AMII Stadium could be reopened in 2012, a recent engineering report advised that the venue's Hadlee Stand has suffered severe earthquake damage and that it should be demolished.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of the Paul Kelly and the Deans Stands while re-levelling and other repairs are required on the Tui Stand at the southern end of the stadium.

Plans for the temporary venue at Rugby League Park could also see the relocation of assets from the AMI Stadium - including the big screen and corporate furniture.

A report considered by CCC last evening stated "it is now imperative that the CRFU (Canterbury Rugby Football Union) look for a new venue for its rugby teams if it wishes for them to play in Christchurch for the 2012 season."

The Council also agreed to contribute NZ$1 million to the scheme.

Construction of the temporary stadium is expected to be complete by January, in time for the 2012 Super Rugby season.

When complete, the temporary venue may give Christchurch the chance to host events such as All Black rugby tests and other large-scale soccer and rugby matches.

Speaking about the need for a temporary home, Crusaders Chief Executive Hamish Riach told local media "we are absolutely determined ... that the Crusaders will play the bulk of their games in Christchurch next year."

Image shows an artist's impression of the planned venue.

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