6 October 2016
Sportsvilles appoint Design Group Stapleton Elliot
Sportsvilles in Wainuiomata and Petone have reached a major milestone with the appointment of Design Group Stapleton
Elliot to lead design development of sporting hubs in each community. Funding for design work has been provided by Hutt
City Council.
Sportsvilles bring together a range of like-minded sporting clubs in one location to share resources and drive
participation in sport, through better coordination and improved facilities.
Council General Manager Matt Reid says, “We want to increase participation in sport and recreation and we see
Sportsvilles as a key contributor to making this happen.
“We have rising inactivity and obesity in New Zealand and we want to provide more opportunities for kids and families to
get active.”
Chairman of Petone Sportsville, Allan Hewson, says there is great benefit in developing a combined hub for sport in
Petone.
“Petone has a long tradition of sporting achievement, but this is under threat from deteriorating facilities and
competing demands for people’s time. A Sportsville hub will allow people to try different sports in a convenient
location.”
Board member of Wainuiomata Sportsville, David Meiklejohn, agrees. “A Sportsville hub in the middle of Wainuiomata will
enable clubs to engage with a wide sector of the community. The hub will be a centre for community participation, not
only in sport.”
Over the next six months the design team will be working with the Sportsville boards, clubs and community stakeholder
groups to develop concepts for Council consideration during the 2017 Annual Plan round.
There is no capital funding currently allocated in Council’s Long Term Plan. For funding to be considered the
Sportsvilles will need to present to Council clear evidence of unity amongst clubs, community support, as well as a
robust on-going operational business case.
ENDS