By David Di Somma
New Zealand's best ever cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee is throwing his support behind a controversial proposal for a new test and first class venue in Christchurch, but even his support for a major upgrade to Hagley Park may not be enough.
Canterbury Cricket wants a Hadlee Pavilion to be the cornerstone of its proposed $20 million redevelopment of Hagley Oval from a club ground to a first class and test venue.
“The fact that it’s a sports venue already and has history as well, let’s just bit the bullet and run with it,” say Sir Richard.
But the city council has already voted against the proposal and backers of the project don't have much time if cricket world cup games are to hosted there in 2015.
“We need to know by the end of August if Hagley Oval is in the mix for the world cup and then we need to build by the end of 2013,” says Lee Germon, chief executive of Canterbury Cricket.
Save Hagley campaigner Martin Meehan says Hagley Park is sacrosanct - to this or any other development.
“How can the council argue against other groups that want their share – and there are other groups who want to do that,” says Mr Meehan.
So even with its heavyweight support Canterbury Cricket has a fight on its hands, and the clock is ticking.
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