Hong Kong sports hub a model for racecourse
A centralised hub catering for grassroots sport based at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Raceway, and modelled on Hong Kong’s Happy Valley events venue, has been proposed as an answer to the city’s crammed and aging community sports facilities.
The hub would accommodate a mix of sports codes including rugby, football, hockey and netball using grass, and synthetic turf, playing surfaces inside the perimeter of the race track with access provided by an underpass built beneath the race track.
The idea first emerged from a submission by Taranaki Synthetic Turf Trust, and Taranaki Hockey Federation Board (THFB), to New Plymouth District Council’s 10 Year Long Term Plan.
It was later presented by THFB member Hugh Barnes to the Taranaki Regional Sports Facilities steering group which included the region’s three district councils, Sport Taranaki, Venture Taranaki, TSB Community Trust, New Zealand Community Trust and Sport New Zealand.
Proposals to shift the city’s main sport codes to a central venue had been floated for several years to overcome congested playing schedules and crowded parking.
A 2016 review by the steering group had previously labelled the inadequate sports facilities in the region as a ‘‘time bomb’’.
The review highlighted the need for a new synthetic turf surface to accommodate hockey’s growth spurt which had seen player numbers increase 46 per cent in the past three years, with junior grades doubling in numbers, Barnes said.
The code was looking at a collaborative approach with other sports to develop the sports hub at Pukekura Raceway, he said.
The proposal would envisage up to four rugby, or football, fields, two synthetic turfs for hockey, and 16 netball courts being developed.
‘‘Hockey wants to be involved in the sports hub and supported Pukekura Raceway as a central venue. New Plymouth urgently needs a central sports hub facility for the long term future.
‘‘The plan is about what is best for all sport and there’s been a lot of discussion with rugby, netball and the equine community.’’
Using Hong Kong’s Happy Valley racing, tennis, hockey and soccer venue as a model, it clearly showed racing and other codes can fit together, he said.
Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing (TTR), which leases the 35ha site from landowners New Plymouth District Council, supports the concept, chief executive Cary Hobbs said.
‘‘I can see it working for all sports, and it will strengthen the profile of many sport clubs in the city, and region, ‘‘ Hobbs said.
‘‘The board believe the Pukekura Raceway is under utilised,’’ Hobbs said.
‘‘We have 14 racedays a year plus training facilities, which are only used in the mornings.
‘‘So there is the potential to use the venue, which is rated among the top six race tracks in the country, for more sport activities in the future.’’
Hobbs said the raceway’s core business – hosting race meetings – would not be compromised.
‘‘We may have to make slight adjustments but we don’t expect any major changes.
‘‘We want to support what’s good for New Plymouth as long as it doesn’t affect our business.’’
Playing surfaces may have to be built lower than the level of the race track to ensure good visibility for race goers, he said.
Hong Kong’s Happy Valley sporting complex was a ‘magnificent venue’’ which successfully incorporated horse racing meetings alongside tennis, hockey and soccer events, he said.
Sport Taranaki communities manager Therese Campbell said Taranaki was missing out on hosting sports events because of ageing facilities.
"Compared to other regions, we have a shortage of adequate sporting facilities,’’ she said.
Campbell said the steering group would make recommendations and direct guidelines for the plan to the cross council mayoral forum early in 2019.
‘‘All codes realise if the plan is to move ahead it will need a partnership involving commercial, council and community input.
‘‘What the community wants is the key.’’