East stand concept for Jade
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An artist's impression of how the new
East Stand might look from Wilsons and
Steven's intersection. |
Council company Jade Stadium Ltd has unveiled a preliminary four-year plan to increase seating capacity by 7000 to 43,000 as the stadium moves to replace its ageing eastern stands and support the city’s role in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Stand replacement concept drawings were made public last month.
“The concept drawings are … by no means finalised and are subject to ongoing modification and change as we discuss these with all concerned,” said Bryan Pearson, chief executive of Vbase Venue Management Group Ltd, managers of Jade Stadium.
“In particular, we will work closely with the local Hagley-Ferrymead Community Board and the Charleston Neighbourhood Association to ensure any concerns are taken into consideration.”
The over all plan calls for the removal of the No 1, 2 and 3 stands, and their replacement with an East Stand to bring Jade Stadium’s permanent seating capacity to 43,000, with flexibility to increase this further for major events.
At three levels, the height of the proposed new stand would be lower than the four-level Paul Kelly Stand. “Based on the concept plans, we’re estimating the new stand and its services would cost $60 million,” said Mr Pearson.
“The catalyst for the redevelopment of the east side of Jade Stadium is the Rugby World Cup 2011,” he said. “The old stands are at the end of their life and need replacement, so it’s a good opportunity for us to address this and for us all to benefit from the economic impact and international profile of the third-largest sports tournament in the world.”
Mayor Garry Moore said the concept stacked up well and there was a compelling case for the project to get the go-ahead from the community.
“Just a year after the new stand is built there’ll be a payback to the city of at least the $60m estimated cost of development from the spending of the thousands of international rugby fans here for the Rugby World Cup. That’s based on hard data the city has received from a study of the economic impact of last year’s Lions test match at Jade Stadium.”
It suggested about 10,000 Lions’ supporters spent around $22m in a week. “If we go ahead and build this East Stand, we could get up to 60,000 supporters visiting Christchurch and Canterbury. It doesn’t take much to do the sums.
“Research commissioned by the Rugby World Cup Establishment Board has said the total economic benefit from this Rugby World Cup will be over $400m and we want Christchurch to get a decent chunk of that. Mr Pearson said that early financial projections indicated up to two thirds of the estimated $60m investment required could be funded by Jade Stadium with the support of the private sector and stadium partners.
“The funding of the balance is the subject of ongoing discussions with the City Council and others,” he said. “However, given the economic impact of the Rugby World Cup and the substantial benefits this will bring to Christchurch, it’s a compelling investment decision.”
Bryan Pearson said the additional 7000 seating would not significantly affect traffic at a major game, but the proposed development was an opportunity to address transport and traffic planning in conjunction with this next stage of development.
“For Rugby World Cup 2011, capacity may be increased further on a temporary basis, with the aim of securing a portfolio of matches up to and including the currently unallocated second semi-final,” Mr Pearson said.
“Securing pool games and quarter finals would be great for Christchurch, and securing the currently unallocated second semi-final would be the cherry on the top.”
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