$12m sports centre aims at children

Sports-crazy kids in Papatoetoe are in for a treat with the development of a new multisport facility in their neighbourhood.

Work has already started on the $12 million centre, which will include an artificial hockey field, indoor practice nets, lighting towers, changing rooms and a bigger rugby field.

Initiated by the Manukau City Council and the Papatoetoe Sports and Community Charitable Trust, the facility has taken eight years to plan. It will open between the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011.

The idea is to get young people excited about sport, Papatoetoe councillor and Manukau Deputy Mayor Gary Troup said.

"It's interacting with the community - it's about bringing the sports and our community together - to be able to develop their skills and work with others."

Funded by the ASB Trust, the council and the charitable trust, the new complex will be at the Papatoetoe Recreation Grounds and Kingswood Recreation Reserve on Great South Rd near Hunters Corner.

Up to 3000 athletes from the local tennis, hockey, rugby, bowls and cricket clubs will come together to call the new facility their home base.

Mr Troup - a former first-class cricketer - says it will increase sport participation not only in Papatoetoe but the overall Manukau City region.