Earthquake work for TSB Stand
New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium needs to undergo earthquake strengthening - meaning games at the ground next season will likely be run without access to the main stand, changing rooms and corporate facilities.
An independent engineering company looking after the stadium has told the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) that strengthening work is needed on the TSB Stand – the main stand.
The stand, which also houses Taranaki Rugby’s headquarters and a catering company, is being vacated while further assessment work is carried out.
Taranaki Rugby chief executive Michael Collins said it was expected the Port Taranaki Bulls’ home games would still be played at Yarrow Stadium in 2018, but without the use of the stand.
‘‘The safety of Taranaki Rugby staff and our members, fans and corporate partners is paramount, so we fully support the decision to vacate the East Stand as a precautionary measure,’’ he said.
‘‘We are currently working through the options for relocation of our business, including 20 staff and equipment, from our East Stand offices.’’
The TSB Stand includes the coaches’ box, changing sheds, locker rooms, the recentlyrenovated Legends Lounge and corporate boxes but there has been no indication on how these facilities will be provided during the season.
Strengthening work will also push KDJ Catering, which declined to comment, out of its current home.
NPDC has offered both KDJ Catering and Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) access to council facilities and has recommended they move off the site, NPDC chief operating officer Kelvin Wright said.
‘‘As a precautionary measure and as a responsible operator, we are working with tenants on alternative arrangements,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s too early to say how long tenants will have to work elsewhere.’’
Wright said council is working to provide alternative arrangements for events such as some of the Christmas hospitality affairs planned for the Legends Lounge, which will be moved to the TSB Showplace.
The Super Rugby season is set to begin in February with the Chiefs expected to play at least one game at the Taranaki stadium.
Team Taranaki is set to kick off the season in April while the Mitre
10 Cup season will start later in the year.
While it was ‘‘early days’’ for the strengthening work, Wright said council was waiting for a specialised geotechnical report to confirm what needs to be done.
He also said it was too early to talk about the length and cost of repairs.
‘‘We’d prefer not to speculate and we would need to reflect on the final report.’’
While the East Stand has been closed for further investigation, the remaining stadium offering
18,000 seats will be open.
In August of this year, Wright said the venue met earthquake standards and there were no known problems for the main stand.
At the time he said council would further evaluate the stadium’s rating and an independent engineer believed any work would not be urgent.