Council gives approval for temporary events village in Hagley Park

The Christchurch City Council today gave the go ahead for a temporary events and performance space to be established in North Hagley Park.

The initiative has come about because many of the small to medium-sized venues that usually host performances or events in Christchurch were damaged in the 22 February earthquake. It is unlikely Cathedral and Victoria Squares will also be able to host events for a considerable time.

It is expected the temporary space will be established in time for KidsFest in July and will be available for use until at least January next year.

In a report to Council, Marketing Unit Manager Richard Stokes said establishing a temporary events space in Hagley Park would provide a central, safe and accessible location for many of Christchurch’s events to go ahead.

A Council ‘dome’ will be the ‘events hub’ and will be used as a community hall for use by displaced community groups, artists and other recreational users for a $100 donation. The space will also be used to host a range of key events including Christchurch Arts Festival, the Body Festival and a number of events which are part of the Real NZ Festival and will run alongside Rugby World Cup 2011.