A quake-hit Christchurch stadium, for years the home of Canterbury basketball, will be repaired and earthquake-strengthened, the city council has revealed today.
Cowles Stadium in the eastern suburb of Aranui will re-open in August after receiving a $480,000 makeover to bring it up to full new building standard code.
The multi-functional, indoor venue that has hosted many international and national sports competitions was used as a welfare centre after the September 2010 and February and June 2011 earthquakes.
It was closed last year after damage was found to its roof.
The council has decided not to remediate the land and the building's foundations at this time, saying it would cost an estimated $3m-$5m and would require an insurance settlement, which would take an estimated 18 months to finalise.
The decision not to repair the land and building's foundations now will mean the building has a consent for 20 years.
Christchurch City Council's general manager of community services Michael Aitken said the strengthening work was a "very cost-effective solution'' to make it available for use over the next 20 years.
"There is a critical shortage of indoor courts across the city following the earthquakes, which will be alleviated by Cowles Stadium being able to re-open,'' he said.
"This facility is also a focal point for one of our hardest-hit communities post-earthquake and its re-opening will be a morale boost for them.''
Mayor Bob Parker also welcomed the move, which was announced at today's council meeting.
"This facility is important for many sporting groups in Christchurch, who I know will greatly welcome its return, especially over the winter months.
"It is also important to have an emergency centre on the eastern side of the city and Cowles Stadium has served this purpose well.''
The proposed work, which includes minor repairs to roof and wall bracing, is expected to start in May.
Although a geotechnical report has shown some of the land underneath the building has settled, it has not "significantly affected the building.
