| |
HISTORY
Springvale Stadium Complex
The purpose of this presentation is to update the Whanganui District Council Community Services Committee on the current status of the Springvale Sports Complex. A recently completed business plan identified a number of key issues that require urgent attention to ensure this valuable community asset can continue to be a suitable venue to attract major events to the city and offer value to the community.
We will present and expand on elements of this Business Plan at today's presentation.Brief History
Key Points
| 1962 |
26 Acres was set aside for the development of a sports area and Stadium complex for the City. |
| 1965 |
plans were completed for a new complex. |
| 1966 |
Springvale Stadium was opened, Administered by the Wanganui Community Sports Centre Inc the management board made up of elected representatives from participating sports organisations, a council representative and an independent.
Sports fields were developed around the same time
Funded by fund raising through sporting groups and community |
| 1971 |
Two extensions or annexes were completed
The first to the northern end to accommodate the Duncan Hot pools
The second to the southern end comprising additional space for the development of Badminton, Basketball and Martial Arts. |
| 1977 |
Because of high operating and maintenance costs the large Duncan pool was closed and in 1977 the Boys and Girls gym club took over the pool area and converted the space into a gymnasium and continued developments, improvements and expansion to include accommodation, cafeteria. This work still continues to day making it an excellent facility for the development of youth gymnastics for the district.
The pool closure created demand for a new 25-meter indoor pool with the situation not dissimilar to the present Gonville pool problem. |
| 1980 |
Demand and pressure for further indoor facilities were such that planning for an additional stadium and indoor swimming complex was underway with active fund raising by interest groups from both projects. |
| 1987 |
Work was started on the building of the Jubilee stadium and splash centre. These two complexes were completed in 1987.Both projects were driven by separate Steering Committees actively and openly competing with one another for funding from the same sources.
As building costs escalated excessively above original estimates, both projects were in danger of being abandoned. |
The City Council at the time recognised the huge amount of voluntary input and the strong community support and approved a rescue package by providing $1.5 million of loan finance split into three equal cost ears:
a) $500,000 for the pool project
b) $500,000 for the provision of underground services, site development, roading, car parking and landscaping for both projects.
c) $500,000 for the provision of changing rooms for outdoor sports on the northern end of the Jubilee Stadium, professional fees and the balance towards escalating costs.Prior to the completion of the building contract the Steering Committee disbanded and the Council requested the Community Sports Centre Inc to accept the management and administration of the new stadium handed over in an unformalised state.Current Position
Over the years, the Sports Centre Committee has progressively added several improvements including the provision of tiered seating, improved lighting, gas heating, kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, upgraded changing and toilet facilities.
Table Tennis was unable to complete their obligation to finish their service facilities and agreed to relinquish their prior right of use to allow the Sports Centre to complete negotiations with the YMCA to lease, improve and complete the space with a huge funding injection from PowerCo Community Trust and the Community Facility Fund.
The continuing higher standards demanded by our users together with the imposition of the requirements of the Building act which has necessitated very expensive fire compliance improvements and the provision of access and facilities for disabled users are challenges demanding careful and prudent financial management.
A further recent major increase in insurance levies is yet another example of an increasing burden on generated income.
In such a difficult economic environment, the Sports Centre Management Committee needs to continue to provide facilities at an affordable level for the large range of user groups covering the full spectrum of socio-economic people that make up our community.
The Management Committee continues to accept the challenge to administrate the complex at Springvale Park supplementing user-generated income with available funding resources for specific projects without seeking ratepayer funding.
Hopefully the Council in turn will recognise the value of the considerable voluntary input from a vast number of sporting administrators working hard for our community, which generate an enormous boost to our economic growth.Summary
The Wanganui Community Sports Centre Incorporated has to date managed the development, operation and maintenance of the complexes at little / no cost to the community or ratepayers of the district. However as the complexes age and demands for higher standards of facilities increase. The Community Sports Centre management board sort some additional assistance to seek a way forward and to ensure this valuable asset to the city remains competitive. A business plan was developed with the assistance of an independent advisor and officers of the Wanganui District Council. This plan through extensive consultation with user groups and work already completed by the board identified a number of key issues that require urgent attention and funding.
The building and development of new facilities around the country is adding pressure on the complex to compete for major sporting events. This is a threat to the Whanganui economy.
The Sports Centre Committee recognises the need to develop a forward looking programme that through the Business Plan and aided by Council will assess the needs of the community, protect the valuable asset and ensure it continues to develop.
This complex is used and enjoyed by a large cross section of the Whanganui Community.
|
|
