7 July 2008

Local poll gives thumbs up to Eden Park redevelopment

A poll of local residents has given an emphatic endorsement of the Park’s redevelopment for Rugby World Cup 2011.

There was overwhelming support for Eden Park being the host ground for RWC with 76 percent supporting or strongly supporting RWC 2011 being held at the Park with only 17 percent opposing or strongly opposing.

“It’s a heartening message that in spite of the inconvenience the redevelopment poses for the local community most people are taking a positive attitude and recognise the Rugby World Cup is going to be a great thing for the City and for their local area,” Redevelopment Chief Executive, Adam Feeley said.

Other poll results included:

• 46 percent agreed or strongly agreed that the redevelopment would not disrupt everyday life (28 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed)

• 27 percent had no concerns at all with the proposed redevelopment;

• Those who had some concerns raised as their top issues:

- Increased traffic or parking problems (30 percent)

- Construction noise (10 percent)

- Traffic risks for children (9 percent)

- Increased crowd problems (6 percent)

- The cost of the redevelopment (5 percent)

• 62 percent agreed or strongly agreed that Eden Park was a good neighbour (10 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed)

• The most important features that were identified as critical to the redevelopment were:

- The stadium should look better (18 percent)

- Access to the Park should be improved (15 percent)

- Access to the Park and internal circulation should be better (15 percent)

- Improved landscaping (8 percent)

- There should be more events (6 percent)

The poll also identified that only half of the residents surveyed were aware of both the Eden Park Neighbours and Residents Associations, with only 6 percent being a members one or other of them.

“We have, and will to consult regularly with the local associations. However, this poll has made us realise that there are many other locals who need to be kept informed by other means, and we cannot assume that we will know how residents feel about issues solely through discussions with Eden Park Residents Association and Eden Park Neighbours Association,” Mr Feeley said.

One blemish in the poll results was the need for the Redevelopment Board needed to do more work in keeping locals informed.

The results showed that 36 percent agreed or strongly agreed that they had a good understanding of the redevelopment while 31 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed. On the question whether they had been well-informed, 29 percent agreed or strongly agreed, 24 percent were neutral and 44 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed.

“We’ve been issuing regular newsletters direct to households and a redevelopment website (www.eprb.co.nz), Mr Feeley said. “Fletchers Construction has dropped leaflets in letterboxes when major works are happening, but it is obviously not enough.

“We’ve got the message loud and clear from locals so we will take up their challenge for more information, and we hope we will get plenty of feedback as to what matters people most want to hear about.”

Mr Feeley said that it was obvious that there were diverging views on many aspects of the redevelopment.

“We had people saying that the redevelopment was exciting and exactly what the area needs, while others were saying it was “evil” to spend money on a sports stadium. Some people think the modern design of the South Stand looks fabulous while others think it’s ugly.”

“We know we can’t please all of the people all of the time. However, this poll gives us accurate information about key concerns of the local community. It’s great that the overwhelming message is positive, and we’ll be doing more polls throughout the project to ensure we stay on top of things.”

The poll, which was commissioned by the Eden Park Redevelopment Board and conducted by polling company, Versus Research Ltd, surveyed 510 houses in the local Kingsland / Mt Eden area. Using random sampling methods, the survey produced results with a ±4.3 percent maximum margin of error.

ENDS

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