The fate of Christchurch's iconic AMI Stadium, formerly known as Lancaster Park, will be in the hands of city councillors this week.
Another roof panel comes off the Paul Kelly stand at Christchurch's Lancaster Park. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
A decision is expected on Thursday and it has been recommended the park be redeveloped for sporting and recreational purposes.
Lancaster Park was extensively damaged in the February 2011 earthquake and has been slowly demolished.
From 1881 up until the 2011 quake, the facility was Christchurch's main sporting venue, for rugby, cricket and occasionally other sports such as tennis and soccer.
The venue was also the site for a number of major concerts, including Pearl Jam in 2009 and U2 in 1989, and Pope John Paul held a large public mass in the oval in 1986.
Councillors will consider a couple of options but were being urged to keep the land in trust for sporting activities, as well as entertainment and public events.
A second option - develop some of the land for other purposes - would require legislative changes, legal hurdles, extra costs and time.
Once councillors have decided on the best option, the community would be consulted on development plans.