$25m upgrade to Central Energy Trust Arena supported

A $25 million plan to raise the profile of Central Energy Trust Arena’s entrance and facilities has been given a big tick by Palmerston North councillors.

Venues and events manager John Lynch presented a master plan to the council’s sport and recreation committee on Monday.

The plan includes a new sports house and entrance off Cuba St, covered southern grandstand, new speedway pits and facilities and an all-weather multi-sport turf within the next five years.

Beyond the 10-year horizon are plans for a new facility to replace the ageing halls along Waldegrave St, another all-weather turf and improvements to the back fields near Oakley St.

Lynch argued the arena was worth the investment, given the speedway alone pumped $18m a year into the local economy.

Cr Lew Findlay said cities were judged by visitors for the quality of their stadiums, and he was pleased to see a plan that advanced earlier ‘‘airy-fairy’’ attempts.

Cr Rachel Bowen said the council was looking at the most expensive option, and the community might have a different view, but the current facilities were ‘‘a long way from ideal’’.

Finance and performance committee chairwoman Susan Baty said the plan involved a lot of money.

‘‘But I’m comfortable to support it for now. If money gets tight, we will have to prioritise, and the public will advise us accordingly.’’

Cr Brent Barrett, elected on a Green Party ticket, said the plans would be even better if they included solar panels on the large amount of roof area to be built.

It would be good for the whole city’s resilience to know the arena would be equipped and powered to act as a civil defence centre, he said.

Cr Karen Naylor abstained from voting to endorse the most ambitious of three options for the arena’s development that had been earlier discussed by councillors in a workshop.

She agreed the arena was an asset that needed investment, but was concerned the council was sending an all-or-nothing message.

‘‘When we go out to consult, it needs to be genuine, not seem like it’s a done deal.’’