12 August 2016

Help shape the future of the Basin Reserve

Last month it was announced that Award-winning architects Tennent Brown would lead a team of designers, sporting experts and heritage advisors to help redevelop the iconic Basin Reserve.

Now you can visit the new Basin Reserve Redevelopment website and share your ideas for the future of the grounds!

Tell the team what you would like the redevelopment to achieve and help bring this beloved space into the 21st Century.

Tennent Brown and their team will come up with redevelopment designs that incorporate your feedback. The aim is to preserve the integrity of this iconic space while making it more accessible, more functional and more future-proof.

On the recently-launched Basin Redevelop website you can find the feedback form, learn about the redevelopment and hear one of the architects discuss the project. You can also sign up to receive the Redevelop the Basin e-newsletter. This is a good way to make sure you receive up-to-date news about the project and know when the Basin drop in centre will open.

The Basin Reserve is a significant and well-loved recreational resource for the people of Wellington, and history has been made on its grassy grounds.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, who gave Brendon McCullum the Keys to the City last year after his historic triple century at the Basin Reserve, says: “The Groundsman’s Cottage and new practice pitches are a good start to a more comprehensive improvement.

“Spending a sunny afternoon on the banks of the Basin Reserve watching cricket is a popular Wellington pastime.”

Basin matches attract out-of-region visitors and international media exposure. Last season the Blackcaps matches at the Basin (1 Test Match against Australia and 1 One Dayer against Pakistan) brought in 26,700 attendees.

The Basin Reserve is the busiest international and first-class cricket venue in New Zealand, ranging from 25 to 40 game days per season. Despite having the heaviest programme of elite cricket in the country the venue still produces the best wickets.

Former Blackcap and current Wellington Firebirds coach Bruce Edgar says: “Redevelopment of the Basin Reserve is a great initiative and will see the Basin retain its status as the most iconic cricket ground in New Zealand.”

Wellington City Council has collaborated with The Basin Reserve Trust and Cricket Wellington to develop a Masterplan which presents a shared vision for the future of the Basin over the next 25 years as both a community recreation space and a premier International cricket ground.

The Council team is also working with Let’s Get Wellington Moving (NZ Transport Agency, Greater Wellington and Wellington City Council) to make sure any transport solutions align with the redevelopment.

The Chair of the City Council’s Community, Sport and Recreation Committee, and a Basin Reserve Trustee, Councillor Paul Eagle, says it’s crucial for people living in neighbouring suburbs to have a say about the Basin’s future, “The Basin is not only an iconic cricketing venue but it’s the backyard and the only green space to many who live locally.”

Cr Eagle is also encouraging those with new ideas for using the Basin to come forward, “The redevelopment will provide an opportunity for using the Basin in ways we haven’t thought of, for example we’ve had concerts successfully take place and club rugby games. This is the time to participate as it’ll ensure the right supporting facilities are put in place.”

The opportunity to give feedback on the Basin Reserve Redevelopment will close by 12 September 2016.

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