Christchurch's former Apollo Projects Stadium site is back in the planning spotlight after RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop launched an investigation into whether current rules are limiting its next use.

The 4.93-hectare site at 95 Jack Hinton Drive in Addington is currently zoned Open Space Metropolitan Facilities. Mayor Phil Mauger asked the Minister to consider changing the Christchurch District Plan so the land could be treated as mixed use.

The investigation will look at whether the existing provisions are holding back economic growth, development capacity or employment. Officials are expected to engage with Christchurch City Council and people likely to be affected before advice goes back to the Government.

For the city, the timing matters. Apollo Projects Stadium served as Christchurch's temporary large-event venue after the earthquakes, but One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is now operating and the old facility is being decommissioned.

That leaves a well-known Addington site close to central Christchurch, transport routes, jobs and existing residential areas. The question is no longer whether the land had a recovery-era role, but what mix of housing, open space, commercial use or other activity best fits the next decade.

Council is also preparing expressions of interest for the stadium infrastructure. The planning investigation does not decide the final land use, but it could widen the options available before the city has the larger community conversation.