"We’re pleased to see the statement from the Mayor signaling she will recommend bringing the project forward. The Chamber has consistently supported accelerating this Stadium and submitted to that effect in the LTP process," said Ms Watson.

The economic and social benefits to the wider region and the benefits to the visitor economy of a vibrant sporting and contemporary events calendar are considerable, as evidenced by the experience in Dunedin.

"The figures from Dunedin for Ed Sheeran a few months ago point to the considerable benefit for the city: sixty thousand visitors over a weekend, with an estimated $34m of economic benefit."

Living in Christchurch should offer an experience to its residents that is comparable to other major cities, and what would be expected of living in the second largest city in New Zealand. That’s why this city needs to commit to building a multi-use stadium.

"A new, covered, multi-use arena will move the city to a new level, by not only holding events that will provide access to top-notch sporting and cultural entertainment for Christchurch residents, but bring people and economic activity from wider Canterbury and the rest of the South Island."

The Chamber is also open to discussions around creative ways of funding any shortfall after any Government’s contribution from the Capital Acceleration Facility is confirmed."We hope that the gap will be relatively small, but we are open to ideas like ticket levies to advance the project."

"This is a vital piece of public infrastructure that will bring social and economic benefit to the community. We welcome the Mayor’s statement and hope we are one step closer to a covered Stadium being a reality for Christchurch," said Leeann Watson.