2 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Council sports facilities plan a ‘wake-up call'
Cr Steve Walker. Photo: file
A plan for Dunedin's future sporting investment is a "wake-up call" about the city's ageing infrastructure, a councillor says.
At Tuesday's meeting, Dunedin city councillors adopted a sports facilities plan, which aims to guide the next 10-20 years of sports infrastructure funding.
Many of Dunedin's older sports facilities were reaching the end of their functional life and required investment to stay "safe, accessible and fit for purpose", a staff report to councillors said.
The Edgar Centre, Moana Pool and the Dunedin Ice Stadium were expected to need replacement in 25 to 30 years' time, the report's authors, planning and partnerships manager John Brenkley and parks and recreation planner Peter Christos, said.
Cr Steve Walker said the plan was "a wake-up call" — specifically about the lifespan of city's ageing sports facilities.
It was also a reminder of the impact of climate change on infrastructure, he said.
The report to councillors said 45% of the city's sports field sat in the South Dunedin catchment — relocation of existing facilities or new facilities was likely to be required.
Early planning was "essential" and would be informed by South Dunedin Futures — the Dunedin City and Otago Regional Councils' joint work programme to develop a comprehensive climate change adaptation plan for the area.
Cr Brent Weatherall said he was "all for" future planning for sports facilities.
"However, to date, it's a shame we have not been in a position to pay off any of the debt we have in the city's most expensive sports facility [Forsyth Barr Stadium].
"We must take responsible action to pay off our old amenities before we create new ones."
Cr Carmen Houlahan said the council needed to assess how to get more use out of the stadium.
Cr Andrew Whiley said the stadium had not been included in the sports facilities plan as it was part of a park and recreational service facilities plan.
