Major upgrade in play for St Albans Park

Sports groups are set to benefit from a major upgrade of St Albans Park.

In recent years the park has been plagued by drainage issues which have left the sports fields in poor condition and at times unable to be used.

An artist's impression of the new St Albans Park pavilion.

As part of the upgrade planned by Christchurch City Council a new drainage system will be put in place and the existing turf replaced with a new sand-based turf surface.

Two artificial cricket wickets will also be installed.

The old sports pavilion will be demolished and replaced with a new pavilion that incorporates two fully accessible public toilets.

The new pavilion will also have two changing rooms, each with a toilet and four showers, a referee’s room, two storage rooms where sports equipment can be stored, and attic space where sports clubs can put their gear during the off-season.

Christchurch City Council Neighbourhood and Sports Parks Operations Manager Al Hardy said the Council had worked with the sports clubs who used the park to ensure the planned upgrade met their needs.

“The end result of this work will be better quality, more durable sportsgrounds that can be played on throughout the season. The sports clubs will also have access to a modern, functional pavilion that meets their requirements,’’ Mr Hardy said.

Demolition of the old sports pavilion was expected to be completed by the end of November so construction of the new building could begin in December.

It was hoped the upgrade of the fields could begin around the same time, weather permitting.

Mr Hardy said as part of the upgrade work, the drainage beneath the park’s playground would also be replaced.

“Unfortunately poor drainage has also affected the usability of the playground so we’re taking the opportunity to make improvements there as well. This does mean that most of St Albans Park will be out of action while the drainage work is done and the new surfaces laid. People will still be able to use the skate park area and the flying fox.’’

Mr Hardy said the contract for upgrading St Albans Park would go out to tender later this month. Provided an acceptable tender was received, work would begin later this year. 

He said it was difficult to put an exact time frame on when the sports fields would be ready for use as the planned work was very weather dependent.