The Lottery Grants Board yesterday announced that they would assist Christchurch in being the principal venue for the 2015 Cricket World Cup with a $1.05 million grant.
The money has been granted to the Canterbury Cricket Trust who is responsible for the construction of an international-standard quality cricket ground in Hagley Park. The grant is to specifically to go towards the cost of building Hagley Oval Pavilion, which will be used for the opening game of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Lee Robinson, Chairman of Canterbury Cricket Trust is delighted by the news.
“The grant is an unexpected surprise and helps us significantly towards the cost of constructing the Hagley Oval Pavilion. We are extremely grateful to the Lottery Grants Board for their generosity. This money basically means that we can fund the construction of the Pavilion roof.”
The Pavilion is part of the Hagley Oval upgrade that will also see a grass embankment built up around the cricket pitch. Construction of the Oval began at the end of December and is due to be completed by September this year.
“With less than a year to the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at Hagley Oval the pressure is on to deliver a first class venue. We still have significant funds we need to raise in order to complete the development” said Robinson.
“However, we are optimistic we will achieve our financial targets and complete construction within the timelines set out by the ICC. “
The grant is part of a $28million Lottery Significant Projects Fund that has been approved to fund important projects across New Zealand, ranging across environmental, cultural and sporting projects.