$55 million repair plan recommended for Taranaki's Yarrow Stadium

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$55 million repair plan recommended for Taranaki’s Yarrow Stadium

February 26, 2019

A $55 million repair plan has been recommended for New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium as a result of structural instability identified following an earthquake in November 2016.

The venue’s two main stands have been out of action since last June after they were deemed an earthquake risk due to the damage caused by the Kaikōura earthquake.

The stadium is owned by the Taranaki Regional Council, which has recommended that it be repaired at a cost of $55 million, with an option to enhance its facilities for a further $14 million.

The Council considered eight options for the stadium, including demolition of the stands and construction of a new covered stadium at a cost of $271 million.

The proposal recommends that Yarrow Stadium’s East and West stands be repaired and it will now be put to the public. The selection of Option 2 allows the council to still consider Option 4, which would include the reconfiguration of the East Stand with extra seating and additional recreational facilities.

Lending for the repair work would be repaid through an annual targeted rate over 25 years.

Commenting on the proposal, Council Chairman David McLeod stated “the Council is committed to returning Yarrow Stadium to full operational capability as soon as reasonably possible.

“Option 4 looks to be the best in terms of the benefits it would bring but a co-funder would be needed, so Option 2 has to be our preferred option. We can go ahead with it but leave the door open for Option 4 if outside funding becomes available in the next 18 months.”

Public submissions hearings will now be held and a final decision on the stadium is set to be made on 21st May.

Image: Yarrow Stadium with Mt Taranaki in the distance.

29th November 2018 - EVANZ 2018 Awards recognise excellence in New Zealand entertainment and venues

29th October 2018 - Taranaki’s Yarrow Stadium owner runs up $15 million loss in last financial year

8th June 2018 - New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium closed due to earthquake fears

29th November 2017 - Main stand at New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium closed over earthquake concerns

13th July 2017 - Strategy suggests ageing Taranaki sports facilities are a ‘time bomb’

8th July 2016 - New Plymouth’s Len Lye Centre a finalist in World Architecture Festival Awards

7th July 2016 - Report confirms seismic issues with Hamilton’s Founders Theatre

10th December 2012 - New Plymouth gets strategic about recreation and open spaces

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