Christchurch City Council (CCC) has voted in favour of considering alternative sites for a proposed new rugby stadium following a debate on the future of the city's earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium.

A number of options were debated by the council as part of the Draft Annual Plan 2012-13, with a new stadium offering a capacity of 35,000 adopted in favour of repairing the existing site.

The Draft Annual Plan 2012-13 is now subject to public consultation and CCC has said the final cost and size of the land for the scheme will depend on the finalised stadium plans.

CCC also revealed that the minimum recommended site size for the development is at least 7 hectares (17.3 acres) in order to ensure "sufficient space for public egress and circulation".

It comes a month after a new temporary stadium designed by Populous was unveiled on the site of Rugby League Park, with a capacity of 18,000 and a lifespan of up to five years.

CCC has also confirmed that Cowles Stadium will reopen in early August following work to strengthen and repair the venue following last February's earthquake.

The indoor arena will benefit from repaired roofing and wall bracing, although foundations will not be repaired at the current time. The venue will have a consent for 20 years.

Details: www.cct.govt.nz

Image: AMI Stadium in July 2011 – Geoff Trotter

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