Demolition day has finally come for the remains of Lancaster Park in Christchurch.
The Christchurch City Council announced on Monday that the remaining structures are to be deconstructed with the aim of recycling and salvaging as much material as possible.
"Managing the project ourselves, along with [ground owner] Vbase, allows us to maximise the opportunities for recycling materials and is the most cost-effective of the three options we looked at,'' said Council project director Lee Butcher.
Planning is expected to start straight away for deconstruction to start in December this year. It will take a year to complete.
Vbase says it is supportive of the decision and glad to have a "clear path forward" after such a long wait.
Lancaster Park suffered minor damage in the September 2010 earthquakes but was used up until the February 2011 earthquakes left it buckled and abandoned.
It was estimated it would cost at least $250 million to repair the stadium to international sporting standards.
Newshub took a tour of the derelict remains in December, 2016. Watch the video.
Newshub.
