28 Nov 2025

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The redevelopment of historic Lancaster Park is a step closer to completion following the opening of a new community centre and change rooms this week.

The facilities, positioned in the park’s northeast corner, were officially opened today. Local sports clubs who provided valuable input during the planning process were among those in attendance. 

“We know sports clubs have been excitedly waiting for work to be completed. While they have already been utilising the sports grounds, having the community centre and changing facilities will cement Lancaster Park’s ongoing position as a central sporting, community and recreational resource in the city,” says Andrew Rutledge, Christchurch City Council Citizens and Community General Manager. 

The community centre includes a multi-use function space for around 100 people, a kitchen, a small meeting room and three externally accessed public toilets. The centre will be available for hire for a range of events, including prizegivings, fundraisers, community activities and sporting events. 

The change rooms will provide toilet, shower and changing facilities for sporting teams and referees.  

Lancaster Park, founded in 1881, has a rich sporting history and is an important landmark in the city. After being damaged in the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes, the stadium was closed and eventually demolished in 2018–2019 when planning began on the extensive redevelopment of the park. 

Mr Rutledge says the final stages of the redevelopment include a playground to the south of the community centre, a multi-sports court and artificial cricket nets as well as additional plantings. 

“We’ve almost completed the concept plans for the playground as well as for the court and cricket nets that will be installed in the park. These concepts are scheduled to be presented  to the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board for approval next month and we hope to start work on the playground in the first half of 2026’.