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A new $188 million roofed stadium for Dunedin has been given the nod by councillors, bringing what could be New Zealand's largest indoor venue a step closer.
Dunedin City Council yesterday debated six stadium options and voted 12-1 to support the multipurpose roofed stadium in Awatea St near Logan Park, the Otago Daily Times reported today.
The council voted to contribute $91.4 million to the stadium, which would be built in conjunction with Otago University.
The Carisbrook Stadium Trust last week released a report outlining six options -- two at Awatea St and four options for upgrading the existing Carisbrook venue.
But councillors did not want to fund a rugby stadium at Carisbrook that would have no university component.
The council's fallback position was the second Awatea St option -- an unroofed stadium at a cost to the council of $69.7 million.
When releasing the plans the Carisbrook Stadium Trust said the roofed stadium would be the largest indoor venue in the country.
The 30,000-capacity stadium would feature "sophisticated" bars and cafes, retractable seating and function rooms.
It could be ready for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, though "significant challenges" would have be overcome to achieve that, the trust said.
Submissions from residents will be heard in May on whether the council should contribute to any of the options.
- NZPA
