18 April 2007

the hub - a centre for South Taranaki sports, events & recreation

South Taranaki District Council last night (Tuesday 17th) launched a $6 million fundraising drive for a new sports, events and recreation complex to be built at Hick's Park, Hawera.

The centre has been named the hub, after a series of community focus groups stressed that it needed to be seen as an asset for the whole of South Taranaki. The logo unveiled last night uses the Council's blue and gold in a stylised version of the district.

Mayor Mary Bourke said the $20 million project would be funded to the tune of $13.65 million in income from the interest on the council's Long Term Investment Fund, making it the biggest project to be supported by the Fund since its inception eight years ago. That meant construction costs would not add to rates.

Significant contributions were also expected from charitable and gaming trusts, she said.

A combined council and community fundraising effort had started last week with more than 350 people enjoying an evening's entertainment featuring South Taranaki band Accumen.

"That raised around $5000," said Miss Bourke. "It was a great start and it showed that the community and council are keen to make this project a reality, after more than ten years of discussion and debate. Hawera Cricket Club has also gone in to bat for the project with a cheque for $10,000, and we're sure other sports and community organisations will follow suit.

"This is also something that individuals can really get behind and it was great to receive $2000 last night from South Taranaki businessman Clarke Weir."

Miss Bourke said the hub project would transform the existing substandard facilities at Hicks Park, Hawera, into a modern, spacious multi-purpose complex for regular district sports, leisure and events. A $3 million upgrade of the council's Powerco Aquatic Centre next to the hub will start soon.

She said the hub project would boost South Taranaki visitor numbers and economic activity by helping attract sports tournaments, concerts, arts performances, hobby meets, expos and many other one-off shows and events.

Construction was planned in stages to accommodate fundraising efforts with the first stage to start in early 2008 with an extension that will more than double the size of the existing facilities. Outdoor netball facilities are also planned in the first stage, which could be opened in late 2009.

Some other info for you:

* There'll be outdoor facilities for netball, rugby, rugby league, hockey, touch, tennis, cricket and athletics. Indoors there'll be basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis, skating and badminton. Additional recreation features include a climbing wall and a fitness gym.

* Meeting rooms, catering facilities, small conferences, training facilities will all be provided for.

* Preliminary designs give Hawera High School students easy access to the complex for school-related sports and events.

* The existing Ngati Ruanui sports centre and Mt Egmont Alpine Club rooms will be relocated within Hicks Park as part of the redevelopment.

* The current concept also shows a new combined cricket pavilion and smallbore rifle range.

* The Hawera Motor Camp will be relocated to a site still to be chosen, to allow the development of a highly visible and exciting entrance to the complex off Waihi Rd.

* A fundraising campaign is now underway with community and council representatives in teams targeting corporate donors, community and sports groups and residents. Applications also will be made to a number of national and regional funding organisations including the Lottery Grants Board, gaming machine trusts and the TSB Community Trust. It is also anticipated that the Ministry of Education will contribute in recognition of the importance of the project to Hawera High School.

* Staff will be on-site to manage the complex and help people make the best use of the available facilities.

* There'll be two indoor netball-sized courts with seating for up to 900 spectators. An upstairs function centre will have giant windows giving views of the action on the indoor courts and outside on the sports fields.

* A $3 million upgrade of the adjacent Powerco Aquatic Centre will happen next year alongside The Hub project. The aim will be to enhance the fun and leisure aspects of the pool complex, with a long term goal of linking the two.

ENDS

© Scoop Media