Council eyes options for sport venue

Waimate Stadium is tired and doesn't meet the community's needs, says Mayor John Coles.

The Waimate District Council recently revealed work had started on investigating the upgrading of Waimate Stadium. However, a new opportunity has since presented itself.

The ex-Debonair building on Shearman St is available for purchase and this has given the council a motive to consider stadium options.

Mr Coles said the project was worth looking into.

"We need something better than what we've got," he said. "It's a very good option."

The council are considering whether to renovate the existing stadium or look at other options.

Mr Coles said there were rising athletes, including a number competing at national level, who would benefit from a developed stadium.

"This is what we've got to promote and we need facilities for the young folk," he said.

Waimate Centennial School principal Barry Jury said the school would support the purchase of the Shearman St building.

"We haven't used the existing stadium in a while," he said. "It's far enough away from us and it isn't a pleasant environment."

Five months ago, council resolved not to include a $2.5 million community centre grant to the Waimate Sport and Leisure Trust in the Long-Term Plan (LTP) by a majority of 5-3.

Earlier in the year, 350 LTP submissions were made to the council, of which 248 mentioned the proposed community centre; 52 per cent were opposed to the project, while 37 per cent favoured it.

Nineteen per cent of submissions raised concerns that the additional cost to ratepayers caused by the project would be unaffordable.

A petition against the centre, with 448 signatures, was also presented to the council.

Another petition, with 32 signatures, was in support of the project.

The council also resolved that the proposed $22 Waitaki District Council community centre rate remain in the LTP and be used for investigation into the possible refurbishment of Waimate Stadium.

Mr Coles said there would be an opportunity in the new year for the community to look at both options and have their queries answered.

Waimate District Council office and property manager Sue Kelly said the council commissioned an engineer's report and valuation on the property and then negotiated a conditional agreement for the purchase of the property.

"The agreement allows for council to purchase the property if the community decides that it is a suitable option for conversion to a stadium facility," she said.

"But it also gives us the option of not completing the contract if the community decides otherwise."