19 Dec 2018

The planning obstacles preventing the expansion of the sporting facilities at the Christchurch Football Centre in Yaldhurst have been removed.

Minister Nanaia Mahuta, acting for the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, has approved a proposal enabling further development at the venue,which is owned by Canterbury Sports Limited (CSL).

The Christchurch Football Centre in Yaldhurst wants to add facilities for other sports.

CSL wants to add a gymnastics centre, an indoor sports stadium with multiple courts for sports such as netball, basketball and futsal, a swimming pool with diving and triathlon facilties, and outdoor fields or courts for sports such as athletics, hockey, tennis and rugby.

Christchurch City Council submitted a proposal which asked the Minister to use her powers under section 71 of the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act to change the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement and the Christchurch District Plan to enable the expansion to go ahead.

The public were invited to make submissions on the proposal. Of the 18 submissions received, two-thirds were in support.

Minister Mahuta today thanked the submitters for their input and announced she has approved the proposal.

“The decision will contribute to more sporting facilities in greater Christchurch, replacing some of those lost or damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes,’’ the Minister says. “The development will also help cater for future demand for facilities which has been identified.’’