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the hub design being firmed up
Design details for South Taranaki's Hub project are being firmed up after talks between the Council, architects and Southern Rugby Club representatives.
Architect Bill Jackson is also considering ideas put forward by sports clubs at a hub stakeholders meeting last month.
the hub project manager Phil Waite said lounge space and changing rooms were two key issues raised by sports groups that would be using the $21.6 million sports, events and recreation complex planned for Hicks Park, Hawera.
"Since the June 16 meeting we've been looking at ways to address these issues and last week there was a very productive meeting involving Southern Rugby Club, the Council and the hub architect. We've also circulated key points from the meeting to the groups involved," said Mr Waite.
"We'll get together again with the rugby club people in the next few weeks to look over the revised plans, and we'll be getting them out to the other groups involved."
Mr Waite said it was good to see the project moving forward in such a positive way, and input from the users was proving valuable.
Southern Rugby Club spokesman Brett Johnson said the club appreciated the opportunity to have input into the planning process and was keen to see the project progress as swiftly as possible.
"We have had some productive meetings with the Council and the architect. Along with most of the other sports clubs involved, we think it would be a pity to end up with a complex that doesn't reach its potential in areas like lounge spaces and changing rooms, so it's good to see that these areas are being addressed," said Mr Johnson.
"Once these design details are finalised, we all want to see this project underway and ready to use as soon as possible. We're all hoping that South Taranaki sports groups and supporters don't have to put up with many more seasons in the present inadequate facilities."
Meanwhile, a programme of community fundraising events for the hub is being planned. Fundraising manager Gerard Langford said these included a bull riding event, fireworks display, sponsored walk, cricket and basketball tournaments, concerts and a wheel-athon for under-fives.
"The community is really starting to get behind the project," said Mr Langford. "We've set a $1 million target for community fundraising and we have a strong and enthusiastic committee that is brimming with ideas. But we also want community groups, sports clubs and schools to come up with their own projects and liaise with the Council and fundraising committee to help ensure they're successful."
Mr Langford said the Council had agreed to contribute $13.6 million and in addition to the grass-roots community fundraising, applications had been made from funding bodies like TSB Community Trust, Lottery Board and gaming trusts for substantial contributions.
"We also hope firms large and small within the district and region will see this as a positive way to contribute to something that will help make South Taranaki a great place to live, work and play," said Mr Langford.
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