New Hagley Oval Pavilion takes shape

Redevelopment of Hagley Oval, the first anchor project to be completed in Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuilding plan, is approaching completion.

Despite numerous deluges of rain, the venue's Pavilion is on track to be finished in the coming weeks, marking a significant milestone in the return of international cricket to the city after an eight year drought.

The venue is set to host to host New Zealand's opening fixture of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2015, against Sri Lanka, on 14th February 2015 while, later on in the tournament, it will host six more group-stage matches, including Pakistan and West Indies on 21st February and England and a qualifier on 23rd February.

In the face of local objections to upgrading the ground, last year an Environment Court ruled that the ground can host 13 days of major-cricket fixtures, aside from the World Cup games.

The redevelopment features restoration of Heritage New Zealand Category 2 Canterbury Cricket Umpires’ Association Pavilion, first erected in 1864.

After being moved to Hagley Oval in 1869, it has been the centrepiece of the ground, continually linking the present with the past.

Its history provides the building with cultural and social significance as one of the earliest structures associated with sporting activity in the Canterbury province. It is the oldest cricket pavilion in New Zealand and is also a proud heritage survivor of the Canterbury earthquakes.

Both Heritage New Zealand and the Canterbury Cricket Association believe the pavilion stands as a memorial to the pioneers of Canterbury cricket and is the ‘jewel’ of Hagley Park.

In April, during the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit to Christchurch the Royal couple were shown the redevelopment plans for the new Hagley Oval.

For more information go to www.hagleyoval.co.nz

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15th August 2013 - HAGLEY OVAL GETS GO AHEAD TO HOST ICC WORLD CUP CRICKET 2015 MATCHES