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Canterbury Cricket CEO: Lancaster Park deconstruction 'makes sense'

AMI Stadium
AMI in ruins after the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes  Christchurch City Council

Christchurch's Lancaster Park will soon be history after quantity surveying firm Rawlinsons has found the cost of holding future international fixtures would cost up to 275-million dollars.

The City Council has made the final decision, but the park's future use is undetermined.

The park has been out of action since the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes, with cricket and rugby fixtures moving to other locations.

Canterbury Cricket CEO and former Black Cap captain Lee Germon agreed with the council's decision and said the history of cricket at the ground will still be retained.

"Obviously Lancaster Park still holds a sentimental value to cricket and cricketers, it is important that it is retained but it makes sense to deconstruct it," he said.

AMI Stadium
AMI Stadium's overgrown fields after the 2011 Earthquakes. Christchurch City Council

Christchurch City Council Project Director Lee Butcher said decommissioning is the most cost effective option of three that were considered.

Lee Germon hoped the ground could be retained so it can be used for local sports clubs in the future.

Work on the deconstruction is set to begin at the end of this year.

Radio interview with Lee Germon

Former Black Cap and Canterbury Cricket CEO Lee Germon shares his thoughts on the deconstruction of Lancaster Park