Stadium ruled out until 2022
Repairs to one of the two stands at Yarrow Stadium are expected to be completed in November, ruling out first class rugby matches at the venue this year.
The stadium’s two grandstands were declared earthquakeprone in 2017 and 2018, and in 2019 the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) decided on a $50 million refurbishment and repair project.
When the project master plan was released by the council in November last year, it was hoped rugby could return to the stadium in mid-2021, with spectators watching from the repaired West
Stand. But yesterday, TRC chairman David MacLeod said the contractors, Clelands Construction, had made a more detailed assessment of the work required, and the completion date for the West Stand repairs was now projected to be November.
‘‘While we all would have loved to have a stand usable in time for this year’s NPC rugby fixtures, this was always a hope, not a promise,’’ MacLeod said.
‘‘The overriding priority is to get the redevelopment done properly, regardless of the time it takes.’’
Taranaki Rugby Football Union chief executive Laurence Corlett said it was fantastic the West Stand repairs were progressing well, and he looked forward to the the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls and Port Taranaki Whio returning to the stadium next year.
‘‘This is very exciting for all of our stakeholders, including our players, commercial partners, members and the general public,’’ he said.
‘‘Our immediate attention is on a successful 2021 season while the strengthening project is completed.’’
Repairs to the West Stand are mostly taking place under the structure, with foundations and the ground being strengthened and stabilised to withstand seismic activity and meet earthquake safety requirements. The repairs include the removal of the seats and the concrete bleachers under them.
The project, which is benefiting from $20m in ‘‘shovel-ready’’ Government funding, includes demolishing and rebuilding the East Stand, refurbishing the main pitch and updating LED lighting.
The West Stand repairs were the first tender let, and the community will be kept updated as timelines and details are finalised for other elements of the refurbishment project, MacLeod said.
‘‘We’re going for a venue that’s fit for a wider range of users and scale of uses. It will be worth waiting for.’’