24 November 2008
Press Statement: For immediate release

Eden Park redevelopment passes another major milestone

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The Eden Park Redevelopment Board announced today that it has passed a further milestone with the issue of resource consent for the new East Stand to be built as part of the Park’s redevelopment for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Board chairman, John Waller, said: “It is another big step for the project as all the major structural elements of the redevelopment now have resource consent. We remain on schedule and on budget.”

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The two-tiered East Stand, with an 8,600-seat capacity, will replace the Terraces, providing a significantly improved viewing experience for spectators. It will be capable of being expanded by a further 8,000 temporary seats for Rugby World Cup.

The consent was granted by independent planning commissioner, Leigh McGregor, who said of the proposal:

“...the adverse effects of the activity in the environment will be no more than minor and also represent a reduction of effects already consented to.”

The consent was granted without public notification because the commissioner said that the district plan envisaged what was proposed, and the proposal could not be described as “being out of the ordinary and giving rise to special circumstances” under the Resource Management Act.

Mr Waller said the only resource consent matters that remained to be attended to were new transport facilities and the temporary stands to be erected for RWC 2011. He anticipated this would be applied for in early 2009.

Mr Waller praised Ward Demolition and Fletcher Construction for the speed with which they have progressed site works at the Park.

“In a few short months we have rapidly gone from the design workshops into full construction mode, with the South and South-west Stands demolished ahead of schedule, and we now have all the foundations in place for the new South Stand.

“We’ve got a great team on board. Everyone on the project team is full steam ahead into Christmas, and looking forward to a well-earned break after a hugely successful year.”

ENDS

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