Surrey Park grandstand project ‘crosses the finish line'
An Invercargill sports facility can once again support local teams and host national competitions, following eight months of earthquake-strengthening work.
The grandstand at Surrey Park, which was brought up to modern building code standards, was part of an Invercargill City Council long-term plan project.
Council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain said the 60-year-old grandstand was a significant asset for the wider Southland region and it was important to ensure it was safe and structurally sound.
"The future is looking bright for local athletics and community sports as this project crosses the finish line," she said.
"I'm proud to see the grandstand brought back up to a standard where it can continue to be enjoyed by the people of Invercargill and Southland for years to come."
Originally built in 1964, Surrey Park Grandstand suffered structural weaknesses, including corrosion and sections of unreinforced masonry, which had become an earthquake risk.
Council committed $1.8million to address these issues following community consultation as part of the 2021-31 long-term plan, with an initial aspiration to demolish the structure and rebuild something entirely new.
Ms Rain said the plan was adapted to ensure the most effective use of ratepayers' money, after it was identified that a new build would be significantly over budget.
"Repairing the old grandstand meant we could complete the project with the money we had while retaining this important community facility."
As well as being home to the Waihōpai Football Club and Athletics Southland clubrooms, the grandstand was necessary for hosting national athletics events, such as the Colgate Games and Interprovincial Games.
Ms Rain said the refurbished grandstand would allow Surrey Park to be fully utilised, while complementing other recent improvements, including upgraded softball diamonds and a new pavilion facility. — Allied Media
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The grandstand at Surrey Park is pictured here in 2019, prior to earthquake-strengthening work. PHOTO: ODT FILES An Invercargill sports facility can once again support local teams and host national competitions, following eight months of earthquake-strengthening work. The grandstand at Surrey Park, which was brought up to modern building code standards, was part of an Invercargill City Council long-term plan project. Council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain said the 60-year-old grandstand was a significant asset for the wider Southland region and it was important to ensure it was safe and structurally sound. "The future is looking bright for local athletics and community sports as this project crosses the finish line," she said. "I'm proud to see the grandstand brought back up to a standard where it can continue to be enjoyed by the people of Invercargill and Southland for years to come." Originally built in 1964, Surrey Park Grandstand suffered structural weaknesses, including corrosion and sections of unreinforced masonry, which had become an earthquake risk. Council committed $1.8million to address these issues following community consultation as part of the 2021-31 long-term plan, with an initial aspiration to demolish the structure and rebuild something entirely new. Ms Rain said the plan was adapted to ensure the most effective use of ratepayers' money, after it was identified that a new build would be significantly over budget. "Repairing the old grandstand meant we could complete the project with the money we had while retaining this important community facility." As well as being home to the Waihōpai Football Club and Athletics Southland clubrooms, the grandstand was necessary for hosting national athletics events, such as the Colgate Games and Interprovincial Games. Ms Rain said the refurbished grandstand would allow Surrey Park to be fully utilised, while complementing other recent improvements, including upgraded softball diamonds and a new pavilion facility. — Allied Media
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