This week marked a significant milestone in the development of Hagley Oval as an International Cricket Ground with the foundations being laid for the new Pavilion.
Over 120 square metres of concrete has been laid for the two-tier pavilion that will house player changing rooms and membership facilities.
Lee Robinson, Chairman of Canterbury Cricket Trust is delighted to see the Hagley Oval Pavilion starting to take shape. “This marks a significant step in the development of Hagley Oval as an international Cricket ground.”
The Pavilion is part of the Hagley Oval upgrade that will also see a grass embankment built up around the cricket pitch. The ground development is part of a plan that will see international cricket return to Christchurch. Construction of the Oval began at the end of December and is due to be completed by September this year.
Christchurch’s Hagley Oval has the honour of hosting the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on February 14. Canterbury will also host two warm up matches, including New Zealand and South Africa, in the days leading up to the World Cup.
Canterbury Cricket Chief Executive, Lee Germon said there is a lot of work to do over the coming year but is optimistic about the grounds progress. “With only 350 days to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 opening match and tickets to the Christchurch games selling quickly, the pressure is on for Canterbury to deliver a first class venue. It’s exciting now to see the footprint for the new pavilion starting to take shape. “
“For our supporters, players and the community, this week marks a real stake in the ground when it comes to the future of cricket in Christchurch.”
Membership packages for the new Pavilion, while still under construction, are now on sale. Membership into the Pavilion will secure supporters a seat for the next five years and members will have varying rights to all Canterbury Cricket Association games, New Zealand Cricket international games and all ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 games held at the Hagley Oval (conditions apply).