$2.1m sports block for Taihape
Taihape’s main sports arena is in line for a multi-million dollar upgrade, despite opposition in the town.
At a recent Rangitı¯kei District Council meeting, councillors voted to press ahead with the building of a separate amenities block at Memorial Park.
The decision ends several years of toing and froing with community groups and comes after fears the original wooden grandstand could be demolished or left to rot once the new $2.1 million block is erected.
Some residents believe the existing 96-year-old grandstand should instead be upgraded to save ratepayer money.
It was decided to investigate the grandstand’s ‘‘physical condition for future restoration’’ as part of the council’s 2021-2031 Long-term Plan.
This includes seismic and structural surveys, and geo tech and conservation reports. However, there is no budget set aside for this work.
The new building will be located on the netball courts at the southern end of the sports ground.
Having new courts near the old bowling green will be investigated.
In a community newsletter, Taihape Heritage Trust member Geoff Duncan said the new building should be an asset.
The trust had presented a petition with 648 signatures – 48 per cent of the town’s population – in favour of upgrading the existing grandstand.
‘‘The heritage trust has successfully raised the profile of the grandstand and the aim is to have the necessary work scheduled in the district’s Long-term Plan, alongside obtaining Heritage NZ recognition.’’
Taihape resident Raymond Burrows was confused at the council’s decision because the community had clearly shown it didn’t want a new building.
He said the community would ultimately have to stump up more cash to build new tennis courts and refurbish the grandstand.
‘‘What’s the point of building a structure in the corner of the park with no facilities for people to sit and enjoy the many activities the park has to offer?
‘‘The grandstand is already there doing this job.
‘‘The grandstand sits in front of a magnificent park, which is utilised most weekends... It was built with real nails and suffered many storms and earthquakes.’’
According to Heritage NZ records, the grandstand was built in 1924 and designed by architect Oscar Albert Jorgensen. It is one of the few remaining wooden structures of its type in rural New Zealand, and is considered well-designed and of a vintage that matches or surpasses most others in the register.