# Christchurch Begins Dismantling Temporary Stadium for Public Sale

City council invites interest in stadium components following the opening of Te Kaha venue.

- **Source:** [1News](https://www.1news.co.nz)
- **Published:** 2026-11-11
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/11/12/seats-toilets-players-tunnel-christchurchs-old-stadium-up-for-sale/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/666c82b7-d143-4b02-b2c4-ca64e2dd9f9b

## Liquidation of Temporary Venue

The Apollo Projects Stadium in Addington is currently being dismantled following the opening of the new Te Kaha facility. Christchurch City Council is managing the sale of various components, ranging from structural concrete blocks to functional drinking fountains. This process marks the end of a temporary era for the city's sports infrastructure.

## High Demand for Components

Nigel Cox, the council's head of recreation, reported significant interest from both private individuals and various organizations. Surprisingly, toilet blocks, grandstand canopies, and seating units have emerged as the most requested items. The council is currently evaluating these expressions of interest to determine the most viable path for asset disposal.

## Individual Seat Requests Pending

Many fans have expressed a desire to purchase their specific season-ticket seats for personal memorabilia. However, the council cannot currently accommodate these individual requests due to logistical constraints. Officials plan to review the feasibility of selling single seats once the broader expressions of interest process concludes this coming Thursday afternoon.

## Historical Context of Site

The temporary stadium was constructed rapidly following the devastating February 2011 earthquake, which rendered the original AMI Stadium at Lancaster Park unusable. Originally intended as a short-term solution, the 4.93-hectare site served the community for over a decade while the city planned and built a permanent replacement for its major events.

## Diverse Venue Utility History

Since its opening in March 2012, the stadium hosted a wide variety of events, including professional rugby matches, football games, and large-scale concerts. Its longevity exceeded initial expectations, as the facility remained operational far longer than planners originally anticipated during the post-earthquake recovery period of the central Christchurch city area.

## Operational Dismantling Strategy

Workers are systematically breaking down the venue to clear the Addington site for future use. The council is prioritizing the sale of large, integrated components before considering smaller retail requests. This structured approach ensures that the dismantling process remains organized while maximizing the recovery value of the stadium's various physical assets.

## Next Steps for Council

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is set for this Thursday. Nigel Cox stated that the council is eager to review all incoming responses to decide the final distribution of stadium parts. This phase is critical for determining how much of the venue will be recycled or repurposed by the public.

## Significance of Asset Sale

Selling stadium components allows the city to recoup value from temporary infrastructure while offering fans a tangible piece of local history. As Christchurch transitions to the permanent Te Kaha stadium, this liquidation reflects the final chapter of a decade-long recovery project that defined the city's sporting life after the 2011 disaster.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/11/12/seats-toilets-players-tunnel-christchurchs-old-stadium-up-for-sale/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
