Andrew’s Farm recreation hub gets $135k leg up

The cash cogs have slipped into another gear for Nelson’s Andrews Farm recreation hub.

The proposed mountain biking hub in the Brook Valley has been awarded $135,000, or 50 per cent of the total cost of the project.

A joint application by Nelson City Council, the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club has been successful in attracting a grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The hub will include car parks for 30 vehicles, toilets, signage, and a bike wash down along with access improvements.

Work on the structure of the car park has already begun with the construction of the toilets and other work starting in the New Year.

Advocates say it will be of great use to the many visitors and residents who use the surrounding tracks in the Codgers Reserve and beyond, for mountain biking, walking, running and dog walking.

NRDA International Marketing Manager Gisela Purcell said the hub was ‘‘a great example of how the growing tourism sector enables us to improve infrastructure which benefits locals as well as visitors.’’

Nelson Mountain Bike Club secretary Paul Jennings said the club was delighted that this project has received MBIE funding support.

The proposal, however, has some worried over the changes to the landscape and an increase in noise and light pollution.

Whakatu¯ Riding for the Disabled Association president Bex Deva said they had some concerns, given the close proximity to the riding arena.

‘‘Council have consulted us, we’re just hoping it all comes out in the eventual plans – hopefully that includes signage for us and awareness of horses in a multi-use area.’’