Council gives feedback on Hagley Oval draft proposal

Christchurch City Council has signed off on feedback on a draft proposal that could ultimately result in additional, permanent lighting being installed at Hagley Oval.

It is one of several statutory partners asked by Regenerate Christchurch to give feedback on a draft proposal to use section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 to make changes to the regulations governing the use and operation of the oval.

Under this process, it is the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Associate Minister Poto Williams who decides whether to proceed with the proposal, and approve the proposed changes.

Regenerate Christchurch has put forward the draft proposal on behalf of the Canterbury Cricket Trust. 

Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says if the section 71 proposal progresses through to the Associate Minister and changes end up being made to the Christchurch District Plan in relation to the lighting provisions in Hagley Oval, it is likely CCT will need to apply for a new lease.

“CCT’s current lease is only for the land their Pavilion sits on and where four retractable lights are positioned for night fixtures. If the new lighting design requires a change to the current lease, as indicated in their draft Section 71 proposal, they will have to apply to Council for a new lease.

"Under the Reserves Act any such lease application would be subject to public consultation and hearings,” Mr Rutledge says.

The Council has given staff authority to start the Reserves Act process should the Minister determine she wants to proceed with the section 71 proposal.

Read the Council report on Hagley Oval.