Christchurch's sports organisations are celebrating the news that the city's Metro Sports Facility hasn't lost any of its capacity, despite cutbacks to the project of $50 million.
Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods announced the new scaled-back version today, after a budget blowout of $75 million was uncovered in November last year.
The complex, which is set to be the country's largest aquatic leisure centre, was stalled until today while the Government reviewed the project.
The minister says she was able to save $50 million by stripping back design elements, and ditching architectural features.
"There were some very extravagant elements in this project that weren't critical to what those groups needed in terms of sporting functionality," she said.
New plans for a multi-use stadium and metro sports centre were released today, seven years on from the earthquakes.
Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon said the news was a win for regional sport.
"We're celebrating! We're still going to get nine courts. We'll still get the 50-metre pool. We'll get indoor diving facilities. None of that has been compromised. So that's a good news story."
Progress on a covered multi-purpose stadium has also been 'fast tracked', with the council set to begin work on a detailed business case.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach says the organisation is thrilled to hear authorities are recommending a roof.
"To hear the minister and mayor say their preference is for a roof for Christchurch, that's a powerful and positive message for us."
Canterbury Rugby Chief Executive Nathan Godfrey agrees.
"It certainly ticks a big box for us. The project's really got momentum now. We need to hold onto that," he said.
Mr Godfrey added the stadium concept needs to go beyond a roof concept though, and embrace new technology.
"Technology is really important, in terms of that fan experience. We need super screens. We need LED signage. We need to look at how we activate areas outside the stadium too for sponsors."
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