Work can starts on re-shaping Hagley’s grassed embankment
Media release, with thanks, from Christchurch City Council
A section of Hagley Oval’s grassed embankment is being fenced off so that work can start on re-shaping it.
The work is being completed to optimise venue capacity by creating a more efficient area for spectators.
The embankment reshaping is within the resource consent for Hagley Oval and the Council has budgeted for the work in its 2017-18 Annual Plan.
Site management plans are in place and Council staff have met with representatives of Hands off Hagley and the Civic Trust to discuss the project and how to protect the park’s trees during the reshaping work.
“We’re very mindful of the privileged position the Oval occupies within Hagley Park and will be making sure the work we do complements the surrounding environment,” says Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sports and Events John Filsell.
“We want the embankments to be a seamless part of Hagley Park – a place all park users can enjoy year-round.’’
The physical works needed to reshape the embankment would take about two months to complete, but the area would need to remain fenced off for another two months beyond that to allow time for the newly sown grass to take.
“By the time summer arrives and the cricket season starts the embankments will be in tip-top shape and will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 people seated on the grass or deckchairs on match days,’’ Mr Filsell said.
Hagley Oval is scheduled to host a full programme of community cricket this summer as well as international test matches for the Black Caps against the West Indies and England.