Upgrading loan sought

Press, 15 February 1989, Page 37

Upgrading loan sought

The Canterbury Football Association has called a special meeting of clubs on February 27 to seek approval for loan to finance the upgrading of English Park. The association had hoped to get the pitch relaid this autumn but was unable to proceed. It will cost the association about $27,500 provided the Christchurch City Council also contributes financially. The total cost of upgrading is estimated to be about $60,000.

The association also wants to obtain a long term lease on the park. The C.F.A. will have to borrow the $27,500 and is seeking the backing of clubs before doing so. Its capital is invested to produce revenue for running costs and other projects. If the association gets a long term lease from the city council it will cost it about $14,000 a year to run the ground. The chairman of the C.F.A.,

Colin Houston, believes it is essential for the association to retain English Park as the “home” of Canterbury soccer.

“Queen Elizabeth II Park may not always be available for soccer. We sold English Park to the council in the 1940 s and there is a certain degree of sympathy there for the C.F.A. to obtain a lease.” He said the majority of the management committee were in favour of upgrading and leasing the park, provided the clubs backed such a move.