Regional leaders non-committal over helping pay $150m 'funding gap' for Christchurch stadium
Canterbury's regional leaders remain guarded and non-committal about whether they will help pay the rising costs of a central Christchurch stadium, with many saying such a decision would require public consultation.
Building the 30,000-seat covered stadium will now cost up to $683 million – $150m more than the $533m budget.
If Christchurch city councillors push on with the current design, they will have to underwrite an extra $150m, taking their total contribution to $453m.
Some city councillors say it is time for neighbouring councils to offer a helping hand.
The stadium would be a regional facility and its economic benefits would go beyond Christchurch, a council spokesperson said.
Other Canterbury councils have been contacted about the latest cost blowout and the city council intends to hold further discussions before making a formal proposal, the spokesperson said.
One mooted method is a regional targeted rate, which could be administered by Environment Canterbury.
Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.
Are we there yet? A city stuck in traffic
Christchurch is New Zealand’s fastest-growing main centre but has the lowest spend on public transport, an incomplete cycling network, and the worst peak-time traffic congestion.
For the second year running, data from global navigation company Tomtom shows it takes longer to travel 10km in Christchurch during rush hour than New Zealand’s other main centres, and it is getting worse.
Tomtom’s data also shows that during rush hour, Christchurch can have 50 traffic jams across the city, with over 30km of clogged roads.
Driving that 10km takes an average of 19 minutes and 10 seconds, up from 18 mins 30 secs last year. Last week’s slowest day was Wednesday at 5pm, with 24 mins.
While Aucklanders’ longer journeys and extra motorways mean slightly more time overall in rush hour traffic, they cover 10km quicker at an average of 16mins and 30secs. Wellingtonians takes 18mins 20secs.
How's your commute? Read the full story by reporter Liz McDonald here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (A subscription is required, or you can see two free articles a month).
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