A proposal to move Hawke's Bay Racing and the Hastings racecourse to the city's showgrounds, thus creating a multi-use centre for entertainment, sport and culture, seems to be a good move.
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule made the announcement yesterday. He says he was approached by Hawke's Bay Racing and the Hawke's Bay A and P Society to help bring the plan together. The proposal is for Hawke's Bay Racing, the Hawke's Bay A and P Society and the owners of the neighbouring Elwood Park to operate a shared facility. Hawke's Bay Racing would then sell the current 14ha racecourse property in central Hastings, valued at about $12 million, to help fund the shift to the showgrounds. The plan would be to build housing, with a park component, on the land.
The council will spend $50,000 of ratepayers' money on a feasibility study to determine if the proposal will work and it seems to be money well spent. It would certainly take financial pressure off both Hawke's Bay Racing and the showgrounds.
The plan is bold and forward-looking and if the financial side of things stack up and the venture does not get bogged down in red-tape, then it could be a welcome addition to the city.
The city would have a fantastic venue for the A&P; Show, the Horse of the Year and race meets. We could also attract other top-class events as well.
