6 October 2016

Sportsvilles appoint Design Group Stapleton Elliot

Sportsvilles in Wainuiomata and Petone have reached a major milestone with the appointment of Design Group Stapleton Elliot to lead design development of sporting hubs in each community. Funding for design work has been provided by Hutt City Council.

Sportsvilles bring together a range of like-minded sporting clubs in one location to share resources and drive participation in sport, through better coordination and improved facilities.

Council General Manager Matt Reid says, “We want to increase participation in sport and recreation and we see Sportsvilles as a key contributor to making this happen.

“We have rising inactivity and obesity in New Zealand and we want to provide more opportunities for kids and families to get active.”

Chairman of Petone Sportsville, Allan Hewson, says there is great benefit in developing a combined hub for sport in Petone.

“Petone has a long tradition of sporting achievement, but this is under threat from deteriorating facilities and competing demands for people’s time. A Sportsville hub will allow people to try different sports in a convenient location.”

Board member of Wainuiomata Sportsville, David Meiklejohn, agrees. “A Sportsville hub in the middle of Wainuiomata will enable clubs to engage with a wide sector of the community. The hub will be a centre for community participation, not only in sport.”

Over the next six months the design team will be working with the Sportsville boards, clubs and community stakeholder groups to develop concepts for Council consideration during the 2017 Annual Plan round.

There is no capital funding currently allocated in Council’s Long Term Plan. For funding to be considered the Sportsvilles will need to present to Council clear evidence of unity amongst clubs, community support, as well as a robust on-going operational business case.

ENDS

© Scoop Media