Jade Stadium upgrade will take into account concerns of locals

27 July 2006

The concerns of people living and running businesses near Jade Stadium will be properly considered as plans are developed to modernise the stadium’s east-side stands, say Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board chairman Bob Todd and Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore.

The stadium managers, Vbase Venue Management Group, today announced the start of a four-year plan to increase the stadium’s seating capacity by replacing the ageing eastern stands ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Mr Todd says the project team has briefed him and is committed to working with his community board to ensure local people’s concerns are taken into account.

“We appreciate the process and the fact Vbase is keeping the board and residents briefed on the proposed plan and acknowledging the concerns of immediate neighbours in the area,” he says. “It’s good to hear the upgrade could lead to the stadium being available for wider community use.”
Mr Moore says the proposed stadium changes are important for the entire city and region, but having one of the city’s biggest attractions as a neighbour also makes it a local issue.

“I think that point is well understood and the project team will be working closely with Bob Todd's Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board to ensure that local people have a strong voice throughout the process. We must make sure that the stadium continues to be a valued part of the surrounding community,” Mr Moore says.

"I know there's some concern in the Charleston community about parking during big games and about pledges that were made during the Paul Kelly Motor Company Stand development to do with investigating the under-grounding of wires.

“The community board’s recently asked the council about that and I've given a personal undertaking to make sure the council has another look at it. I’m also happy that there's going to be a wider look at transport issues around the stadium alongside this development."

Vbase has said its associated study of transport and traffic planning issues would consider better use of public transport to get fans to and from matches, increased use of central city parking buildings and suburban park-and-ride shuttles. Also being considered is development of a “stadium walk” between the venue and central city to encourage more people to walk to games.

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