Eden Epsom recreation precinct concept plan approved

Auckland City’s Recreation and Events Committee today approved the proposed concept plan for a recreation hub in Eden/Epsom.

The endorsement is based on recommendations from the Eden Albert and Hobson Community Boards and includes the following conditions:
A. That the committee notes:
(i) its appreciation of the work undertaken by both staff and consultants, and the many sporting bodies and local sports clubs who have contributed to the Eden Epsom recreation precinct project;
(ii) the joint research funded by the Mt Eden Tennis and Mt Eden Bowling Clubs, in the City Design report of 2001 which investigated the recreational needs within the area;
(iii) its appreciation of the extensive consultation undertaken by officers, and the wide range of tools used, and the professional manner in which this was undertaken by council staff; and
(iv) the positive comments supporting the process by the external review consultants.

B. That the committee endorse the concept plan for the Eden Epsom Recreation Precinct, subject to the following:
1. Melville Park (i) The committee supports the retention of the wickets and the use by junior sports and request that officers work with appropriate interested sports groups to identify and confirm their needs.
(ii) The committee does not support the installation of lighting until this requirement is confirmed by users, and after further consultation with nearby neighbours.
(iii) The committee does not support any alterations to paths/planting at this stage.
2. Windmill Reserve
(i) The committee notes the changed requirements of netball and support the provision of local netball and tennis facilities.
(ii) The committee acknowledges the informal use of these areas by the local community on a large scale, as noted in the consultation results.
(iv) That at this stage the committee does not support the reduction in the number of courts and request that officers liaise with the interested netball organisations to confirm their court requirements.
(v) That the committee does not support the creation of a skateboard facility, noting that this only achieved limited support through the consultation process.
(vi) That the committee does not support the need for drainage and lighting of the Oval. While wishing to support local sport, no organised group has been identified that would require lighting of the Oval. The committee also notes the possible lighting of Auckland Normal Intermediate (ANI) fields, which would likely have little or no impact on residents.
(vii) That the committee is not yet in the position of being able to support the removal of any netball/tennis courts as proposed and putting additional basketball facilities, or linkages to Disraeli Street, until arrangements have been made for the ongoing netball requirements.
(viii) That the committee request that before any planting plans are done for replacing the ageing pines on Windmill Reserve, that use of the upper level area and impacts of shading of the court areas are considered and reported to the Hobson Community Board for approval.

3. Nicholson Park (i) The committee notes:
(a) the need to maintain the viability of the Bowls and Tennis Clubs, and note that they may need to be able to redevelop their facilities in the future;
(b) the valued character of the existing Bowls building and would wish to see this retained in any future options; and
(c) the traffic and parking pressures on the existing roading network and would like to see these addressed in any proposals.
(ii) That officers further explore the option of utilising the relinquished Women’s bowling area, in conjunction with ANI, but request that this be done along with the option of great community access to the ANI sports fields, and possible installation of training lights.
(iii) The committee requests that other combined uses such as a practice hockey area be considered in order to maximise both schools and sports use.
(iv) The committee supports the option of community use of the Women’s Bowls pavilion.

The plan brings together information and knowledge gathered over the past three years and takes into account the input received from the consultation and surveys carried out over this period.

Council officers will now produce the final concept plan, incorporating the changes agreed by both the community board and the Recreation and Events Committee. Copies will be sent to the key stakeholders and will also be available at local libraries, on the Auckland city website and displayed at the Melville Pavilion.

Developments will then be progressively programmed through the annual planning process over the next five to 10 years.

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