|
|
What will the hub offer?
the hub will be a sports, recreation and events facility for the whole South Taranaki district, based around Hick's Park in Hawera.
- the hub will centralise many sporting and leisure activities into one location. Netball, tennis, hockey, touch, rugby, league, cricket, rifle shooting, athletics, basketball, volleyball, badminton and gymnastics are among the sports which will be on offer at the hub. There will also be a fitness gymnasium.
- the hub will provide a comfortable, spacious venue for indoor leisure activities such as dance, yoga, and bowls.
- the hub will operate as a modern conference/events/function centre as well as a meeting space for a variety of community clubs and organisations.
- the hub will link to the neighbouring 800-student Hawera High School and will be used for a wide range of sports and other activities for the High School and other schools throughout the district.
- the hub will also link to the nearby Powerco Aquatic Centre which in 2008 shows off its $3 million upgrade.
Background - the hub finally becoming a reality
For about a decade, the Council has been encouraged to investigate a multi-purpose sports and leisure facility for the district, through submissions to the Ten Year Plan, Annual Plans, business surveys, regional surveys, focus groups and community plans.
Through this process, it became apparent that the South Taranaki District Council was in a prime position not only to lead the development of such a facility but at the same time make an investment in the district’s future and add value to the already extensive resources available to the district’s many sports and community groups. the hub provides a modern, spacious facility which will enable those sports and community groups to move from their ageing, sub-standard facilities.
Key drivers for the hub include:
- The proven ability of such facilities to attract new people to their host communities. The serious skills shortage and declining population, which the district is experiencing, underline the need for attractive facilities to help businesses attract and retain the right employees. The Council is taking the lead in ensuring the district is an attractive place where people want to live, work and play.
- The need to develop a state-of-the art, accessible facility which will encourage residents – of all ages and abilities - to participate in a wide range of sporting and leisure activities to help combat the growing rise in obesity and other health problems stemming from increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
- The need for a modern, state-of-the-art events/conference/function centre, which will attract conferences, events, expos – and visitors to the district.
|
|
|
