Lancaster Park Community Centre -- Community Centre & Sports Park, Christchurch
The historic home of Christchurch cricket and All Blacks rugby, now being transformed into a new community sports park and recreation centre
Address: Stevens Street, Waltham, Christchurch 8011 | Ward: Linwood-Heathcote | Nearest suburb: Waltham
About Lancaster Park Community Centre
Lancaster Park -- historically known as Jade Stadium and later AMI Stadium -- was for over a century one of New Zealand's most iconic sporting venues. The ground hosted international cricket tests, Super Rugby matches, and All Blacks fixtures, and was the home of the Crusaders franchise and the Canterbury cricket and rugby teams. The stadium was severely damaged in the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes and subsequently demolished, ending its life as a professional sports venue.
The 11-hectare site is now undergoing a long-term transformation into a community sports park and recreation facility. Christchurch City Council has committed significant investment: a new $12 million community centre and gender-neutral changing rooms is being built to serve local sports clubs and schools; the grounds are being developed into quality sports fields and open parkland; and the heritage War Memorial Entrance Gates -- which survived the earthquake and hold deep significance for the community -- are being repaired and restored. The community centre is on track for completion in 2026.
The new Lancaster Park facilities are designed to serve a gap in community infrastructure for the eastern and inner-southern suburbs, which have historically had fewer large recreation facilities than the city's western side. Waltham, Sydenham, St Martins, and Linwood will all benefit from the upgraded sports fields and centre. The transformation of a nationally significant but earthquake-damaged site into a thriving community hub is one of the most significant post-earthquake projects in Christchurch's residential neighbourhoods.
Facilities at Lancaster Park Community Centre
- New community centre -- under construction, due for completion 2026
- Gender-neutral changing rooms -- under construction
- Sports fields and open parkland
- War Memorial Entrance Gates -- under heritage restoration
- Car parking off Stevens Street
Getting There
Lancaster Park is located on Stevens Street in Waltham, approximately 3 km southeast of the Christchurch CBD. The site is accessible by car with street parking on Stevens Street. Nearby Metro bus routes serve the Waltham and St Martins areas via Colombo Street.
Council Investment at Lancaster Park Community Centre
| Project | Status | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Park Community Centre & Changing Rooms | In Progress | $12 million |
| Lancaster Park Redevelopment | In Progress | See project page |
| Lancaster Park War Memorial Entrance Gates | In Progress | See project page |
Lancaster Park Community Centre & Changing Rooms: Construction of a new community centre and sports changing rooms at Lancaster Park. Provides the eastern and inner-south suburbs with modern community and sports facilities. On track for 2026 completion.
Lancaster Park Redevelopment: Create sports park and community park facilities at the Lancaster Park site, replacing the former earthquake-damaged stadium with quality open green space and sports fields.
Lancaster Park War Memorial Entrance Gates: Repair and restore the War Memorial Entrance Gates at the former AMI Stadium site, which were damaged in the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Lancaster Park (AMI Stadium) in Christchurch?
Lancaster Park (previously known as Jade Stadium and AMI Stadium) was severely damaged in the February 2011 Canterbury earthquake. The stadium structure was subsequently demolished. The 11-hectare site is now being transformed into a community sports park by Christchurch City Council, with a new $12 million community centre due for completion in 2026.
When will the Lancaster Park Community Centre open?
The new Lancaster Park Community Centre and changing rooms are on track for completion in 2026. Christchurch City Council has budgeted $12 million for the community centre and sports changing rooms. Check ccc.govt.nz for the latest updates on the construction timeline.
Where is Lancaster Park in Christchurch?
Lancaster Park is on Stevens Street in Waltham, approximately 3 km southeast of the Christchurch central city. The site is accessible by car from Moorhouse Avenue via Durham Street South or from Ferry Road. Street parking is available on Stevens Street.
Was Lancaster Park home to the Crusaders rugby team?
Yes. Lancaster Park (AMI Stadium) was the home ground of the Crusaders Super Rugby franchise and the Canterbury rugby team. It also hosted All Blacks test matches, international cricket, and other major events. The ground had a capacity of over 36,000 before the 2011 earthquakes. The Crusaders now play at Orangetheory Stadium (formerly known as Apollo Projects Stadium).
What will the new Lancaster Park have?
The redeveloped Lancaster Park site will include a new community centre with gender-neutral changing rooms, quality sports fields for clubs and schools, open parkland, and the restored War Memorial Entrance Gates -- a heritage structure that survived the earthquakes. The facilities are designed to serve the eastern and inner-southern suburbs of Christchurch.
Nearby Places
- Linwood Park (Reserve & sports fields)
- Heathcote River Walkway (River walk & cycling trail)
- Waltham Park (Neighbourhood reserve)