Phase 1 of Gisborne multi-sport hub development under way

The careful removal of asbestos cladding and interior fittings from the old netball pavilion at Victoria Domain has progressed rapidly this week ahead of the demolition of the building. Photo / Murray Robertson

Contractors have made rapid progress in removing asbestos from the Gisborne Netball Centre pavilion, the first phase of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Victoria Domain.

A start was also made on Thursday on ripping up the netball courts, which will be replaced and realigned as part of the project.

Contractors have started work on replacing the netball courts as part of the multimillion-dollar project. Photo / Murray Robertson

The demolition is part of the $6.9 million phase 1 of the development of a multi-sport hub combining netball, basketball tennis, pickleball and squash into a recreational facility.

Gisborne Netball Centre (GNC) has planned a later start than usual to its season this year, with the new courts scheduled to be ready for play sometime in May.

“We’re doing community consultation at present on when our season should start, and how,” GNC manager Allisa Hall said.

“The board has had to look at contingency plans for the start of the season and that could include using school netball courts.

“We’re so excited to see the progress that has been made already this week as we head towards a new facility for our members.”