Sports facility is approved

After months of discussion, submissions and community debate, the Waimakariri district looks set to get its multi-use sports facility.

The Waimakariri District Council debated the subject during its Long Term Plan (LTP) deliberations on Tuesday in front of a sizeable group of residents eager to hear the outcome.

The proposal is to build the facility for $27.85 million with completion in late 2020, and at a cost to ratepayers of $91 per year. The facility will be approximately 6000m2 with four indoor courts, and with the potential to extend in the future.

A multi-use sports facility has been on the table since 2013 and it was included in the last Long Term Plan. It was brought forward due to issues with local high school facilities and the lack of local facilities currently available to the community.

Mayor David Ayers said this was a great result for the community.

‘‘Through the LTP engagement process it was clear there was strong support for this facility,’’ he said. ‘‘I am pleased that the council took this bold decision, rising to the challenge and taking this step forward to benefit the whole community.’’

The council has developed its LTP including the multi-use sports facility being loan funded. It will be able to secure loan funding at good interest rates, based on its AA credit rating. As outlined in the draft LTP the council will remain within its borrowing policy limits.

The council also signed off on the principles of an agreement with the North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust to operate the facility. A formal agreement will include the lease of the facility and all aspects of operation and maintenance.

Council will adopt the LTP on Tuesday June 19.