New Zealand Government to make $20 million contribution to Yarrow Stadium redevelopment

July 24, 2020

Finance / Government / Sport / Venues /

The project to repair New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium has been given a $20 million funding injection from the New Zealand Government.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the funding yesterday during a visit to New Plymouth where she pledged that $48 million would be pumped into seven projects in the region to boost the economy and create about local jobs.

Commenting on the contribution to the $50 million project to repair and redevelop of Yarrow Stadium, Prime Minister Ardern stated “projects like sports facilities, pools and libraries unite communities and supporting them is a win-win for regional economies and social wellbeing, as we reap the rewards of going hard and early in response to COVID-19 to get our regions and economy back open again.”

The project includes repairs to Yarrow Stadium’s two main stands, which have not been used since June 2018 as they are considered an earthquake risk along with technology upgrades, new LED lighting and improvements to the pitch.

Owned by the Taranaki Stadium Trust, a Taranaki Regional Council-controlled body, and operated by the New Plymouth District Council, the venue, primarily used for rugby matches, currently operates at a reduced capacity.

The project to restore the venue to “full operational use” was agreed in January, with a process commencing to select contractors to work on the project. However, commencement was delayed by New Zealand’s Coronavirus shutdown.

Welcoming the funding, Taranaki Regional Council Chairman David MacLeod told Radio New Zealand “we’re extremely grateful for this ‘shovel-ready’ funding from the Government.

“It will reduce Yarrow Stadium rates by a considerable amount, and we’re aiming for work to begin before the end of the year.”

17th July 2020 - New Zealand looks to host entire 2020 Rugby Championship and new trans-Tasman competition in 2021

7th July 2020 - Funding released to assist New Zealand sport recovery at all levels

2nd July 2020 - New Zealand Government launches new fund to back domestic events

14th June 2020 - Fans return to Super Rugby in New Zealand

18th May 2020 - Taranaki Rugby Union confirms financial restructuring

17th May 2020 - New Zealand budget includes $265 million for sport and recreation

27th February 2020 - New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium redevelopment could be impacted by 12 risk factors

29th January 2020 - Partners sought for redevelopment of New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium

20th December 2019 - Taranaki Rugby relocates Mitre 10 Cup matches to Inglewood’s TET Stadium

5th October 2019 - Taranaki Regional Council establishes Yarrow Stadium project governance group

28th September 2019 - Petition delivered in effort to overturn Yarrow Stadium redevelopment plans

21st August 2019 - Taranaki Rugby slashes ticket prices at New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium

21st June 2019 - Redevelopment of New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium moves forward

24th May 2019 - Taranaki Regional Council agrees to fund Yarrow Stadium renovations

26th February 2019 - $55 million repair plan recommended for Taranaki’s Yarrow Stadium

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

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