Christchurch is set to see significant upgrades to the streets surrounding the new stadium as the city prepares for its grand opening in April 2026.

The Christchurch City Council has approved a series of improvements, including wider footpaths, enhanced landscaping, and better pedestrian crossings.

The upgrades will focus on key streets surrounding the stadium, including Tuam, Barbadoes, and Madras Streets, along with essential works on Lichfield Street west, from Madras Street to Manchester Street.

Mayor Phil Mauger said the upgrades are crucial to ensure the infrastructure is in place before the stadium begins hosting events.

“Doing the street upgrades in conjunction with the water works is the best way to go to minimise impacts on commuters and locals, and to make sure we’re ready on day one when the stadium opens,” said Mauger.

“A huge number of people will be coming and going from the stadium on event days, and making it easy and safe will be key to cementing Christchurch as the place to be for big sports matches, concerts, and other events.”

Work has already commenced on upgrading the water infrastructure in the surrounding neighbourhood, a project that will serve both the local community and the new stadium.

The transport network upgrades will begin as soon as the water works are completed.

The Council has also approved several of the proposed upgrades to Lichfield Street west, though further elements will be considered later in the year once the outcome of a funding application to the New Zealand Transport Agency is known.

The decision on the funding, initially expected earlier, has been deferred by NZTA and is now anticipated around October 2024.

The $34 million Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project was approved by the Council in June 2023, following feedback from over 1,214 individuals and businesses.