Wednesday 14 August 2013

Environment Court decision made about Hagley Oval

The Christchurch City Council is pleased with the outcome of the Environment Court decision released today, which means the process around the further redevelopment of Hagley Oval can progress.

The decision to grant a Resource Consent for Canterbury Cricket's proposed development takes the city another step closer to being able to host the ICC World Cup Cricket 2015 matches that were announced as being allocated to Christchurch on 30 July.

However, the Council will need to work through the detail and restrictions that have been put in place by the Environment Court, to see what the implications are for the development.

Recreation and Sports Unit Manager John Filsell says the announcement is good news.

"The matter will now come back to elected members to consider whether to grant a ground lease to Canterbury Cricket for the proposed pavilion and light towers. The Council's normal consenting process around the building of the pavilion and lights will need to be followed.

"Elected members also need to decide if they want to release funds that were allocated in the 2012/13 Annual Plan for the cost of the low-rise grass embankment. $1.65 million was set aside for work on Hagley Oval, with $565,000 having already been used to upgrade the wicket, level the outfield and drainage and irrigation work."

Mr Filsell says it must be recognised that the Environment Court decision is still open to appeal at the High Court, with applicants having 15 working days to file a point of law appeal.

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