Media release

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Sports ground development underway in Upper Hutt

Ground works begin on the installation of two artificial turf grounds at Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 20 DEC 2011— Construction began at Maidstone Park this week. Earthmoving equipment and piping was brought in to prepare the ground for the new facilities to be erected on the site over the next few months. The development will involve the creation of a full-sized hockey turf, a full-sized artificial rugby/soccer turf, a practice area, lights, and associated infrastructure, including car parking and storage.

As part of its commitment to the Long Term Plan for 2009 – 2019, Upper Hutt City Council has invested significantly in the project. Funding has also come from the National Hockey Stadium Trust, Pelorus Trust, Lion Foundation, and Wellington Community Trust.

Mayor Wayne Guppy was on hand at the official ‘turning of the sod.’ He was accompanied by Rex Manning from the National Hockey Stadium Trust and Andy Leslie from the Pelorus Trust, along with Councillors Glenn McArthur and David Wheeler.

“We are beginning to see what has been a long and substantial project, finally come to fruition,” said Mr Guppy. “This initiative is one that we have consulted extensively on, both with the public and local sporting bodies, to create a facility that is current, of high quality, and will be widely used.”

After final Council budget allocations being approved in late August 2011, a tender process was initiated. Wellington-based company, Groundworks Limited, were finally selected to carry out the development with Harrison Grierson Consultants continuing to manage the $3.6 million project.

“We are very excited about this project,” said Mr Guppy. “It will increase our capacity to serve our local and regional sports teams well into the future.”

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

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