By Adam Burns
Christchurch residents will have a chance to determine the next steps around shaky plans for a new stadium.
An indicative design for the proposed stadium. Photo: Supplied
Plans for the long awaited arena have been plagued by setbacks, after latest cost estimates revealed a budget blowout of $150 million last week.
The 30,000 multi-use arena is now expected to cost more than $680 million with project managers highlighting the impact of factors such as rising costs in an overheated construction market and the war in Ukraine.
The council decided at its meeting today it will seek community views on the project, before it considers next steps on the project on 14 July.
Residents will be consulted on whether council should increase the budget, reevaluate the project or scrap the plans altogether,
Lianne Dalziel Photo: Screengrab / Christchurch City Council video
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said next month's decision around the stadium would be the final piece of the jigsaw.
"It is really important that we make a call to get on with this or bring it to a close," she said.
"I know how I'm feeling about it... it is absolutely the final piece of the jigsaw."
Dalziel also defended the timeline for the project today after criticism was directed at the council following last week's budget blowout.
"There has been an element of the debate that has occurred outside of this place which has been vaguely frustrating," Dalziel said.
"I've tried to take a position to support the building of the stadium right from the very start, but with the context of getting a really good deal for the city.
"It's such a shame that we get ourselves into these positions."
The council's 2015 insurance settlement for the old Lancaster Park was also a significant factor, she said.
"That's why we pushed it out as far as we did."
Consultation documents will illustrate possible consequences for each option of the project, including the impact on household rates.
Deputy mayor Andrew Turner urged residents to make their views clear during the consultation period.
"There's been a lot of opinion expressed since the additional cost and extended timeframe went out into the public arena," he said.
"I've heard a lot of different opinions.
"The decision that we make is a big decision for the city and its future whichever way it goes and it's important we take the public feedback into account."
