Parties sign off on stadium

CHRISTCHURCH: The Crown and the Christchurch City Council have signed off on a joint funding agreement for a new 25,000seat, roofed stadium in the city.

The parties agreed yesterday to contribute $473 million towards the cost of the build. The council has committed $253 million and the Crown $220 million.

The Crown was represented by Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, finance spokesman Grant Robertson and Christchurch regeneration spokeswoman Megan Woods.

Ms Ardern said the day marked the “greenlighting” of the project, which was a “long time coming” for Cantabrians.

Dr Woods said the ability to have 15 concerts a year would be “a kind of nirvana” for the city.

Work is expected to begin next year.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the stadium was the largest single investment in a community facility in the region.

‘‘This will be an arena for Canterbury, and will ensure the region can once again host major events, including concerts and national and international sporting events,” she said

‘‘The Canterbury MultiUse Arena will be a worldclass facility that attracts visitors and revenue from around the country, and will cement Christchurch’s reputation as an attractive, vibrant place to live. — The Star