Lancaster Park Re-development – Spatial Plan

Even with some of the biggest facilities, it is the small things that count. With this project in mind, this was reflected in how older members of the community were keen to see the traditional rose gardens returned to Lancaster Park. Something not often encouraged by a Parks team with limited budget, but in this case will be fully considered, because the community spoke up.

Lancaster Park is an iconic venue in Canterbury and New Zealand. Hosting a range of international sporting fixtures over a long period of time, ranging from international Rugby and Cricket test matches to lesser known events such as running and cycle races. Sadly, the stadium was declared unfit for future use after the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence.

RSL Consultancy (RSL) was engaged in 2019 to facilitate a Spatial Plan outlining the future use, look and feel of the park. Working closely with a range of Council staff, RSL engaged with key stakeholders, including regional sports organisations, clubs, resident and neighbourhood groups and local community groups to understand their vision for the space.

With large-scale sporting matches planned to occur elsewhere in the Christchurch, this project allowed the local community to take back some of the feeling of ownership and the ideas that came forward reflected their desire to re-connect with this space. With the Park being in an area that is not as well served with public open space as some other areas of Christchurch, it was important that the park became readily available to the local community.

Lancaster Park has significant historical, social and sporting values that needed to be understood to ensure any re-development paid tribute to the past and acknowledged the current and future community. The Spatial Plan was adopted by the Council and is now dependent upon funding to see Lancaster Park return as a community space, available for all. Soon you will be able to walk in Lancaster Park and smell the roses, literally.