Victoria Domain hub a ‘good solution’: councillors

Victoria Domain where a significant development is on the cards to the tune of up to $30 million. File drone image by Ben Cowper

Gisborne councillors have spoken positively about a new project aiming to bring a plethora of local sports under one roof.

The Victoria Sport and Recreation Hub plans to combine netball, basketball, tennis, pickleball and squash under one banner with a recreational facility on Victoria Domain.

Estimated to cost up to $30 million, the project includes an indoor hub for all sports codes currently using the domain, plus an area for netball administration.

A report on the project was brought to Gisborne District Council last week because of the domain coming under the organisation’s administration.

During a brief discussion, deputy mayor Josh Wharehinga acknowledged the work of councillor Andy Cranston and former councillor Shannon Dowsing in pushing for the facility.

“As a dad of five daughters, all who play netball, this project is really close to my heart,” Wharehinga said.

“I want to acknowledge our staff, and also want to acknowledge Trust Tairāwhiti for allocation for these quick wins (projects).”

Cranston was pleased to see the work getting done, saying the courts had been talked about for years.

“It’s good to see that we are getting some momentum. Practically it’s such a good solution.”

As part of the development, the existing outdoor netball pavilion would be demolished alongside the current tennis clubrooms — the latter making way for the main building.

The current outdoor netball courts would be resurfaced in an effort to bring them up to a national standard.

Resurfacing the courts had received a funding commitment from Trust Tairāwhiti, the council report said.

Anticipated next steps included ground testing, project scoping, stakeholder negotiations and funding confirmation.