Sport & recreation  |  16 Oct 2019

Christchurch City Council is seeking public feedback on whether it should grant a new ground lease to the Canterbury Cricket Trust (CCT) so it can erect lighting towers around the perimeter of Hagley Oval.

CCT already has a ground lease for Hagley Oval but it is seeking to vary that lease so it can install an additional two lighting towers around the Oval.  The additional towers are needed in order for Hagley Oval to meet international television broadcasting standards for night matches.

CCT wants to have the lights in place in time for it to host matches during the 2021 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup.

However, in order for that to happen, it needs:

  • The Associate Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Poto Williams to agree to use Section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act to amend the Christchurch District Plan to permit changes to the use and operation of Hagley Oval.
  • The Council to agree to a new ground lease.

At the request of CCT, Regenerate Christchurch has submitted a Section 71 proposal to Ms Williams for her consideration. She is currently in the process of getting written public comment on it, which will help her decide whether to approve the proposal.

The Council, at the same time, has received an application from CCT for a variation to its ground lease on Hagley Oval.

Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says the public will have until 5pm on Monday 18 November to make submissions on CCT’s lease application.

“Hagley Park is a treasured space in Christchurch and therefore it is important for people to share their views on this proposal before Council makes a decision,’’ Mr Rutledge says.

A Hearings Panel will be convened to consider all the submissions received and to make recommendations to the Council.

Find out more about the lease application and how to make a submission.