Napier velodrome cost rises by half
The cost of a velodrome and multiuse sports facility proposed for Napier has jumped from $15 million to $22.9 million.
The 52 per cent increase from a previous estimate is outlined in a detailed business case for the project, commissioned by Napier City Council and due to be discussed by councillors at a meeting tomorrow.
The council is proposing to pay for a third of the costs and the new projections mean the contribution by ratepayers would increase from $5m to $7.7m.
But the project has a way to go before it is approved, with significant fundraising needed to secure the remaining investment of $15.2m.
In a report on the project prepared for the meeting, council staff said a primary source of funding would be the Lottery Grants Board Significant Projects Fund, with an application pending for $3.5m.
The report said other sources of funding would include corporate sponsorship, other local authorities, gaming trusts, community and private trusts and community fundraising.
The project has previously been criticised as being predominantly a cycling facility, which would of benefit only a limit number participants in a single code.
But the council report said recent work on the project, including public feedback, have modified the concept to make its design more inclusive.
‘‘Rather than a single-use velodrome with some capacity to host additional sporting codes, council is now proposing to invest in a regional indoor multi-use sport and recreation facility that incorporates a velodrome, located on land adjacent to Pettigrew Green Arena.’’
Its report said the inclusion of a velodrome as part of the proposal was ‘‘due to the need to provide the widest range of sporting participation opportunities for the widest range of age groups’’.
Because cycling was a growing sport, it was ‘‘almost certain’’ that a facility without a velodrome would not secure Lottery Grants Board funding, council staff said.
According to the business case, construction of the facility would inject $60m into the local economy with $3.6m being spent annually in Hawke’s Bay by visitors attending sporting events.
While councillors were due to discuss the project tomorrow, council staff have recommended they defer making any decisions until a special meeting scheduled for March.