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Prime Minister Visits Forsyth Barr Stadium Site
20 November 2009
Today, Prime Minister John Key
visited the construction site of the Forsyth Barr Stadium at
University Plaza in Dunedin.
The New Zealand
Government granted $15 million towards construction of the
new, multipurpose roofed stadium earlier this year. Stadium
Trust Chairman Malcolm Farry said that the Government’s
grant was vital in enabling construction to begin in June
this year.
“The Government’s support was a
significant endorsement of our region’s ambition to
develop an innovative, first-class venue. We are honoured to
show the Prime Minister first hand the considerable progress
we have made since construction began. The Main South Stand
is now up to the second floor and clearly visible. The
project is on track for completion by August 2011 to be
ready to host Dunedin’s 2011 Rugby World Cup games.
Forsyth Barr Stadium is set to be a fitting showcase for the
region and New Zealand.
“The construction project
is already providing hundreds of jobs which are an important
boost for the city in these challenging economic times. Once
operational, Forsyth Barr Stadium is expected to provide an
estimated ongoing economic benefit for the region in the
order of $24 million a year.
“As the world’s only
fully roofed stadium over a natural playing surface, we are
creating a world first, right here in Dunedin. We believe
the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza has the
potential to be in the top rank of Australasian stadia for
atmosphere,” said Mr Farry.
Sir John Hansen,
Chairman of Dunedin Venue Management Limited, the
Council-owned company that will eventually be responsible
for operating Forsyth Barr Stadium and other city venues,
said he appreciated the Prime Minister taking the time to
visit.
“We know Forsyth Barr Stadium at University
Plaza will be world class. Its significance is not limited
to the events it will host, but also in the ways in which
the citizens of Dunedin, and Otago, will be able to use its
development and resources to promote all the region has to
offer,” said Sir
John.
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