'Very nervous': Young cricketers face up to Sir Richard Hadlee

Christchurch's next generation of cricketers lifted the covers to have the first look at the city's new indoor training facility.

The excited young cricketers eagerly took to the nets as the Sir Richard Hadlee Sports Centre was officially opened at a ceremony on Tuesday night.

'My legacy': Sir Richard opens new sports centre

The New Zealand cricket community helped raise more than $20 million for the indoor sports centre, which will help improve the skills of local players.

An emotional Sir Richard says he had been waiting for the opening day for four years.

Sir Richard Hadlee and Mayor Lianne Dalziel opened the new centre on Tuesday night. Photo: Geoff Sloan

"That day has finally arrived, thankfully," he said.

"This was a project that's been very meaningful to me."

The cricketing legend said he was honoured the world-class facility bears his name.

"It's a gift, it's a legacy to cricket and I'm very pleased to be part of that."

The team behind the centre say $200,000 is still needed for fittings to complete the project, but they're confident of being able to reach their final target.

- By Geoff Sloan
- Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

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