21 Feb 2025

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Work is underway on a new community centre and changing rooms at Lancaster Park.

Positioned on the northeast corner, the purpose-built facilities will bring the redevelopment of the historic park one step closer to completion says John Filsell, Christchurch City Council Head of Community Support and Partnerships.

“They’ll be a welcome addition for sports clubs and community groups in the southeast, allowing them to fully activate the park for sporting, community and recreational purposes.”

The community centre, which is expected to open in October, will be available for hire and includes a multi-use function space for around 100 people. The changing rooms will provide sports clubs with toilet, shower and changing facilities.

“The sports grounds are already getting lots of use by local sports clubs, including cricket, rugby, touch rugby and football, but having changing rooms onsite will make a big difference for them and the teams they host,” Mr Filsell says.

“We’ve had valuable input from the local clubs – including Lancaster Park Cricket Club and Ōtautahi Rugby Club – as well as many other groups, in the planning of this project. A collaborative approach has helped to ensure that the design of the new facilities best meets the collective needs of these key stakeholders and the wider community.”

In recent years, the redevelopment of the park has seen the restoration and rededication of the heritage Memorial Gates and the planting of more than 11,000 native trees, which many of the groups have helped to plant.

Additional planting is planned and there are also provisions for a playground, which will be situated on the eastern side, just south of the community centre.

You can learn more about the project and subscribe to updates here.