Alexjc Posted July 30, 2012 Report Share Posted July 30, 2012 A covered 35k seat Rugby Stadium and a brand new multi pool swimming complex is part of the Christchurch Rebuild plan released yesterday. The facilities are part of a major re-drawing of the CBD which includes a massive green space 'belt' and the Avon River turned into a waterfront area. The crown jewel in the rebuild is the Convention Centre which will be located next to the Cathedral Square. This will handle up to 3000 guests as new hotels will be built into it. This confirms the end of the popular 1974 CWG Stadium, QEII Park along with the mighty 45k seater AMI Stadium which were damaged beyond repair by last year's earthquake. Although very early days, there is a plan to allow Christchurch to bid for a future 'big' sports event in the 20's. This can only mean a Commonwealth Games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted August 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 Dave Currie, Chief de Mission of the NZOC has said Christchurch should aim for the 2026 CWGs as a finishing event for the Rebuilding of the city. He said although the CWGs are larger due to team sports, there is no reason to defer and NZ is long overdue to host again. He also said it would need a strong Government baking for it as at least $3billion would be needed. Last year the Government did mention it was now looking at a future Major event for NZ after the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup...Although they were criticized for not backing Auckland's 2018 bid proposal thus handing the Games to Gold Coast. Dave Currie also said there was probibly a slim chance of bidding for 2022 as they would likely go 'North' or to South Africa if that nation bidded. 2026 would fit in nicely and would be NZ's last chance untill the mid 2030's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotguy Posted August 4, 2012 Report Share Posted August 4, 2012 (edited) Would be a nice idea but can't see it happening Edited August 4, 2012 by Scotguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted August 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Agree...It would still favour Auckland as a suitable city...What we ccould be look at is YOSGs. Rols' favorite, a full OWGs is still too far out of reach. But the Covered stadium does open up possibilities. One thing in Chc's favour is the fact it's still seen as the CWGs NZ home city. Auckland's 1990 hosting simply doesn't have the same aura about it. You always see the Chc symbol everywhere while Auckland's has all but vanished. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksheep Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 When they say covered do they mean as in 'Dunedin' or a sliding roof facility, or just a regular stadium with a roof over each stand only? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted August 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 When they say covered do they mean as in 'Dunedin' or a sliding roof facility, or just a regular stadium with a roof over each stand only? A much larger 'Dunedin' permanent cover...They crunched numbers for a moving roof...Just too costly, also the stadium will be rectangle as Cricket is being moved to an enlarged Hagley Oval where plans are to 'drop in' an athletics track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intoronto Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 There's still nothing to prevent people from spending outlandish sums on venues, ceremonies, operations, etc. Rogge wouldn't have made this statement if he weren't concerned about it being a problem. After all the cities are applying pressure that direction..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted August 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 I don't understand what you mean intoronto...The new Christchurch facilities are replacement structures, they are not a want, but a need. They are, technically, downsizing and centralising what were essentially low use structures...For all its iconic status, QEII Park's athletics track was mostly abandond up untill ten years ago. The Pools kept the place going... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stryker Posted August 12, 2012 Report Share Posted August 12, 2012 So AMI or formerly Jade Stadium is definitely scheduled for demolition? That's a shame. Never realized the damage was that bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted August 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2012 So AMI or formerly Jade Stadium is definitely scheduled for demolition? That's a shame. Never realized the damage was that bad. Oh yeah, major geographical upheaval in a wave motion slumped both main stands and the Hadlee stand which is aready gone. They have plans to implode the stands...Most of the seating has been stripped (some of it's in London) reused at 'Christchurch Stadium' and stored for the 'new' Hagley Oval. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted January 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Today is the 40th anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth British Commonwealth Games hosted by Christchurch in 1974. It is still considered New Zealand's most popular games. A small ceremony was held at the now bulldozed QEII Park site that was purpose built for the games and the most modern facility of its type in the world at that time. The idea has been raise for the city to host the event again in the near future as during the past week even the government has said Auckland's 1990 hosting is fast fading from memory and would give something to look forward to. Christchurch mayor, Leanne Dalziel however said the still shattered city has far too much on at the moment to consider approaching the government with a future bid plan. Next year the city will host the opening ceremony to the Cricket World Cup at the refurbished Hagley Park Oval. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micheal_warren Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Today is the 40th anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth British Commonwealth Games hosted by Christchurch in 1974. It is still considered New Zealand's most popular games. A small ceremony was held at the now bulldozed QEII Park site that was purpose built for the games and the most modern facility of its type in the world at that time. The idea has been raise for the city to host the event again in the near future as during the past week even the government has said Auckland's 1990 hosting is fast fading from memory and would give something to look forward to. Christchurch mayor, Leanne Dalziel however said the still shattered city has far too much on at the moment to consider approaching the government with a future bid plan. Next year the city will host the opening ceremony to the Cricket World Cup at the refurbished Hagley Park Oval. 40 years. Wow! Yes it was one of the commonwealths best commonwealth games. The athletics events were world class especially that memorable 1500m final! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningrings Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/9644607/Weights-lifted-1974-Games Great 20minute doco on The Press site about the 1974 Games. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micheal_warren Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Thanks for posting that. I had missed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brekkie Boy Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Would love to see the games return to New Zealand - they did a fantastic job with the Rugby World Cup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningrings Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 I agree. But its more a question of it Kiwis actually want it. All three major NZ cities would have a good case for it - Chch as part of the rebirth; Wellington - as one of the world's most beautiful cities and its capital that has never hosted; and a third hosting for Auckland -- which I think would be interesting perhaps if it was centred on a mini "Commonwealth Park" at Albany. Perhaps with temporary seating North Shore Stadium could be upped to 40,000 or so --- perhaps a cross between Victoria 1994 and Manchester 2002. A village could go near it, and a dedicated bus from Albany into the city along the Busway could make it extremely accessible. I was thinking about it when I was in Albany a few months ago how it would be a great precinct for a major event like the CwG. But as I said, all depends on if Kiwis can be bothered. Frankly, I couldn't blame them if they aren't - it is not like anyone here in Australia outside SEQ cares the least bit about 2018. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted January 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 The publicity surrounding the anniversary has lit up the talkback lines and relevent chat rooms. With the consensus that Christchurch should be the host city. With Glasgow about to host a whole new reboot of the games, it will be one to watch and see what will be needed. The 2018 edition will be much of the same. Surprisingly there are still no firm hands raised to bid for 2022. South Africa is seen as favourites but no commitment yet. London has shown the strongest intentions of bidding. IMO, it's too early for Christchurch, unless the reconstruction really takes off this year. The facilities will be there when completed but would need Chinese manpower to do it, which we don't have. Another reason is New Zealand will have to foot the cost as it did for RWC, this was one of the reasons why Auckland pulled back from bidding for 2018. There is still a perception of Auckland being disconnected from NZ and more so during the 80s and 90s, hence why the 1990 CWGs are almost forgotten yet 1974 are so much loved with fond memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningrings Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Would love it if a Christchurch bid defeated London. What a morale boost! Interesting you mention that Auckland 1990 is forgotten. My mum is from Auckland (albeit lived in Melbourne since 1984) and even she said a few months ago "NZ should host the Commonwealth Games again, we did such a good job in Christchurch in the 70s" and seemed genuinely surprised when I reminded her of 1990, but I actually think she'd completely forgotten 1990. (Although my brother had an Auckland 1990 Kiwi mascot soft toy) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted January 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 (edited) A Christchurch 1974 Holden Kingswood HQ just sold on Trade Me for $26k. Held it's value, that's how well the XCWGs are held in regard. Also the view of the razed stadium site stirred up emotions of wanting something back. Auckland will never get the country's affection, no matter how hard they try. Because the facilities, as well as transport and utilities infrastructure were insured, they will be replaced. As NEW anyway. But at today's rate of inflation, Christchurch will need another $ 220 million from the govt. The city is still shy of 5000 hotel beds and new housing suburbs need to be built. There's your village right there. This will all die down for six months, but expect it to resurface after Glasgow although I believe intentions have to be known by then. Edited January 25, 2014 by Alexjc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted February 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 Interesting development today with the NZ Government and Ministry of Education taking over the site of QEII Park and locating both twin high schools, Shirley Boys High and Avonside Girls College, on it. It will be called QEII College...more in honor of the current monarch than the old sports complex. But the significance is there as minor regional sports facilities will be built around the new high school as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted June 19, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2022 The dream of Christchurch hosting, or being a co-host of a future Games is looking further and further away as arguments rage over the delayed start on the new covered stadium...The longer they leave it, the pricier it gets...now climbing past $400 million. All because the city council wanted the South Island's largest stadium moved two blocks closer to the CBD. The sad irony is Lancaster Park re-opened today for school/public sports use with two rugby fields and a football pitch which converts to two cricket ovals and a softball diamond for summer. Reverting to a park space with only a main administration building, the open space will also allow for festivals and public concerts. Strategically positioned access points for power utilities, fresh and grey water facilities are located around the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brekkie Boy Posted June 21, 2022 Report Share Posted June 21, 2022 Typical councillors fighting over nothing and preventing progress. Two blocks is nothing in the grand scheme of things. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Australian Kiwi Posted July 18, 2022 Report Share Posted July 18, 2022 On 6/19/2022 at 7:49 PM, Alexjc said: The dream of Christchurch hosting, or being a co-host of a future Games is looking further and further away as arguments rage over the delayed start on the new covered stadium...The longer they leave it, the pricier it gets...now climbing past $400 million. All because the city council wanted the South Island's largest stadium moved two blocks closer to the CBD. The sad irony is Lancaster Park re-opened today for school/public sports use with two rugby fields and a football pitch which converts to two cricket ovals and a softball diamond for summer. Reverting to a park space with only a main administration building, the open space will also allow for festivals and public concerts. Strategically positioned access points for power utilities, fresh and grey water facilities are located around the site. Sad Christchurch couldn't get it together. I can't help but feel 2026 should have been the right time for NZ's (and in particular Chch's) next CWG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brekkie Boy Posted July 27, 2022 Report Share Posted July 27, 2022 I wonder if after Victoria hosting they were permitted to bid as a country rather than based it around one city whether a NZ games might be more likely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victorian Posted July 27, 2022 Report Share Posted July 27, 2022 11 hours ago, Brekkie Boy said: I wonder if after Victoria hosting they were permitted to bid as a country rather than based it around one city whether a NZ games might be more likely? Sorry but Victoria is not a country. It is a state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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