17 Feb 2016

Strong support for new Christchurch stadium

7:18 pm on 17 February 2016

Cantabrians would rather have a new stadium or a repaired Lancaster Park than keep the temporary AMI Stadium, according to a new survey.

Canterbury's Rob Thompson on the burst against Southland at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, on the 10th October 2015. Copyright Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz

Canterbury rugby player Rob Thompson at the temporary ground, AMI Stadium. Photo: Photosport

The survey, commissioned by the Canterbury Rugby Union, asked just under 800 people if they thought the city needed a modern outdoor events facility.

Of those surveyed, 94 percent said yes, with 89 percent backing a new facility or repair of the earthquake-damaged Lancaster Park over prolonging the life of the temporary stadium.

Christchurch Central Development Unit director Baden Ewart said they were in the process of purchasing land for the new stadium in the central city.

"The stadium's a misnomer anyway. What we're looking to do is build an entertainment-type complex which will have as its focal point a grass sports oval or square, but also around the outside, you know, a hotel, retail opportunities, other sports related activities," Mr Ewart said.

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