Christchurch's QE2 sports complex shut indefinitely

Queen Elizabeth 2 stadium shows signs of liquefaction following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch last Tuesday. Photo / NZ Defence Force

Christchurch's Queen Elizabeth 2 Park recreation and sport centre has been closed indefinitely.

Christchurch City Council recreation and sports manager John Filsell told a meeting with sports codes representatives and owners of businesses located in the complex today that infrastructure had been badly damaged by last week's devastating earthquake.

"The main building of QE2 is under lockdown which means there is no access to anyone for any purpose," Mr Filsell said.

He added that all sports facilities across the city were also closed.

No date had been set for engineering assessment of the damage to the complex, some of which might be structural.

Queen Elizabeth 2 Park's multi-use sports facility was built in 1973 to host the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

Among its facilities are a 25-metre training pool, a 50m international pool, a leisure pool, a teaching pool, an international standard diving pool, a fitness centre, indoor hydroslides, an indoor stadium, an outdoor international stadium with a 15,000 seating capacity with the capacity to host athletics, soccer concerts and events.

It contains a running track, as well as a public swimming and diving pool. There is also a cricket ground, behind the main complex, called The Village Green, which is the home to the Canterbury first class men's and women's teams.

- NZPA