Media Release

4 September 2008

Papatoetoe Sports Facility Gets Funding Approval

Manukau City Council’s Policy and Activities Committee today released existing LTCCP funds of $1.547 million for architectural design drawings, quantity surveyor estimates and project management and other professional services for the Papatoetoe Recreation Ground and Multi-use Facility project.

The $13.709m project has accumulated 75 per cent ($10.292m) of project funds, with the Papatoetoe Sports and Community Trust committed to finding the balance.

The design drawings will enable an application for resource consent to be progressed.  This will then allow the Trust to apply to funding organisations for the remaining $3.417m.

The John Walker 'Find Your Field of Dreams' Foundation has a facilitative role with this project.

Councillor John Walker says “Papatoetoe and Hunters Corner are both areas identified for future urban growth.  However, both communities are largely built up and it is unlikely that the council would be able to create significant additional open space.  That means that we need to increase the capacity of existing reserves to meet expected demand.

Making better and more intensive use of existing space and resources is going to be key in the future development of our city, says acting Mayor Gary Troup. “That is why as a council we are committed to it.”

The project involves the development of a range of community sports facilities including tennis courts, an artificial hockey turf, lighting towers, changing rooms, indoor practice nets, bar facilities, lounge areas, grounds redevelopment and external landscaping.

The multi-use facility design will have flexible spaces to cater for a mix of both sporting and community activities.

ENDS

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