Update - AMI Stadium in Christchurch

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) has formally issued the Christchurch City Council (CCC) with a Section 38 demolition notice for the Hadlee Stand of AMI Stadium.

Pass It On Tweet 5

It is the first major development since the ground was declared unplayable and all 2011 rugby matches, from the Crusaders to Canterbury's World Cup allocations, were shifted to alternate venues.

The demolition of the famous Hadlee Stand, which opened in 1995, is taking place as it received significant damage from the devastating earthquake back in February of last year.

Named after the famous Hadlee family, the most famous member of the clan, Sir Richard, expressed sadness that the stand would be demolished, but understood it was the best thing to do.

CCC acting community services manager John Filsell told the Star Canterbury that the demolition of the stand was no indication that any other parts of the ground would suffer the same fate.

"The council is still working through engineering options, and recommendations will be presented to the council for a decision," he said.

It is expected the CERA will give its full recommendations as to what will occur with the ground by March at the latest.

Until then Canterbury Rugby CEO Hamish Riach said he didn’t know what would be the future of the stadium and whether rugby would again be played at the ground.

"I don't know," he said.

"We need to trust the experts to tell us. Until we get the experts' view, it's all a bit premature. We are waiting for the official word."