A controversial cricket pitch upgrade at Hagley Oval is continuing, despite concerns about plans to turn the oval into an international venue.

The Christchurch City Council started redevelopment work at the oval last month as part of plans to upgrade the wicket block to international standard.

A council spokeswoman said contractors were installing the main perimeter drain and removing the old wicket block.

Canterbury Cricket's proposal to spend $20 million on a full international upgrade of the venue, including embankments and temporary seating, has proved controversial.

The Save Hagley Park group has lobbied for the plans to be scrapped, while city councillors voted 12 to one against the full proposal in July.

Save Hagley Park had considered a legal challenge to block work on the wicket but put the plan on hold after Mayor Bob Parker  ''offered an olive branch'' in August by supporting cricket's return to Lancaster Park.

Work on the wicket block will continue into spring.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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