Lancaster Park back in the game

A local councillor is welcoming the decision to retain Lancaster Park for community use.

The Christchurch City Council has decided to keep the site for community use and sporting and recreational purposes at a meeting today.

A Council report notes a shortage of parks in neighbouring communities, adding that local sports clubs have already expressed their interest in using the site.

The Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board also backs the decision.

Sports clubs have game plans for the Lancaster Park site.

Demolition work on the earthquake-damaged stadium is due to be completed late next year.

City Councillor Yani Johanson, who represents the Linwood ward, says the retention of such a valuable asset benefits the whole area.

“Lancaster Park has been – and will be – an amazing asset for the community and the city. I am very pleased with the Council decision to hold on to the site for sporting and recreational use,” Cr Johanson says.

“This area has a lack of green space to accommodate current and new demands. Securing this space for existing and future generations is essential.

“Lancaster Park is an integral part of the history of Christchurch and Phillipstown – a celebrated space that the local community and many across the city value.”

The former premier venue in Canterbury for cricket and rugby – and host to multiple sporting tests – was founded in 1881 as the original home to cricket and athletics.

The site left private ownership in 1919, when the Victory Park Act vested title to the land in the Crown for sport and entertainment use.

Ownership was later transferred to the Council through the Christchurch City Council (Lancaster Park) Land Vesting Act 2008.