Designers begin on sports hub

‘‘As officers, we have been very consistent that there is no way they could expect $15 million.’’

Design Group Stapleton Elliot has been appointed to do preliminary designs for sportsvilles in Wainuiomata and Petone.

In July, city council general manager Matt Reid said Petone had to be realistic about its expectations, after it presented a $15 million plan for the Petone Rec.

‘‘As officers, we have been very consistent that there is no way they could expect $15 million.’’

In May, Wainuiomata Sportsville presented city councillors with a proposal for a $6.7 million facility based on Frederick Wise Park.

It is hard, however, to gauge the level of support, with only rugby league publicly endorsing a hub.

Sportsvilles bring together clubs to share resources and drive participation in sport. Sharing one central facility overcomes the need for clubs to maintain aging buildings.

Reid sees hubs as the best way to increase participation in sport and recreation.

‘‘We have rising inactivity and obesity in New Zealand and we want to provide more opportunities for kids and families to get active.’’

Petone Sportsville chairman Allan Hewson could see real benefits in developing a combined hub for sport in Petone.

‘‘Petone has a long tradition of sporting achievement, but this is under threat from deteriorating facilities and competing demands for people’s time. A hub will allow people to try different sports in a convenient location.’’

Wainuiomata Sportsville board member David Meiklejohn held similar views.

‘‘A sportsville hub in the middle of Wainuiomata will enable clubs to engage with a wide sector of the community.’’ .’’

Over the next six months the design team will be working to develop concepts for council consideration for the 2017/18 Annual Plan round.

No capital funding has been allocated. Reid said the sportsvilles had a lot of work to do to get funding.

‘‘The sportsvilles will need to present to council clear evidence of unity amongst clubs, community support, as well as a robust on-going operational business case.’’