23 Aug 2017

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The findings of the pre-feasibility study into the development of a new multi-use arena for Christchurch give some clarity around the direction we should be heading in and the likely costs involved, says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

An artist's impression of Christchurch's new multi-use arena.

A 25,000 seat multi-use arena for Christchurch will cost upwards of $368 million.

In May of this year the Crown asked the Christchurch Stadium Trust to scope the project and to prepare a pre-feasibility report.

The study’s findings suggest a covered, multi-use arena with a preferred option for a permanent seating capacity of 25,000 plus 5000 temporary seats. A concert capacity for the playing field would be 35,000 to 40,000 and the recommendations included a hard floor with mobile (retractable) floor.

“The Council has set aside $253 million in its Long Term Plan to cover its half share of the cost of a new multi-use arena but it is clear other funding partners will need to be found,’’ Ms Dalziel says.

“Note without additional funding, the Council’s $253 million would only cover the cover the cost of a modest provincial venue of 17,500 seats with a 60 per cent roof coverage of the seating bowl.”

The Christchurch Central Recovery Plan released by the Government in 2012 included as one of the anchor projects a 35,000 seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue on a six hectare block across Tuam, Madras, Hereford and Barbadoes streets.

The pre-feasibility  report, made public today, shortlists four possible options for a multi-use arena:

  • A 25,000 permanent seat arena (plus 5000 temporary seats), with 75-80 per cent roof cover and a non-retractable pitch, estimated to cost $368 million.
  • A 25,000 permanent seat arena (plus 5000 temporary seats), with a transparent enclosed roof and a non-retractable pitch, estimated to cost $465 million.
  • A 25,000 permanent seat arena (plus 5000 temporary seats), with a solid roof and retractable pitch, estimated to cost $496 million.
  • A 30,000 permanent seat arena (plus 5000 temporary seats), with solid roof and retractable pitch, estimated to cost $584 million.

“All the shortlisted options require further investigation but it is clear from the pre-feasibility report the city would get the most versatility and the best financial return out of having a covered arena with a retractable turf,’’ the Mayor says.

“We have agreed with the Crown that we’ll set up a joint project team to examine the options in more depth and to prepare a business case so there is a lot more work to be done yet.

“However, the findings of the pre-feasibility study mean we have a good starting point for informed discussions with our community about the options for the multi-use arena and about potential funding sources,’’ Ms Dalziel says.

The Council will consider the pre-feasibility report at its meeting tomorrow.

Canterbury Multi-use Arena - Questions and Answers.