Sports clubs affected by council 'extinction notices” have organised a protest against plans that could displace them from the Tauranga Domain.
Tauranga City Council's Active Reserves Masterplans propose sweeping changes to the city's sport facilities.
The plans for Baypark, Blake Park and the Tauranga Domain include building a $170 million 8000-seat stadium at the domain.
If built, the stadium would displace the Tauranga Croquet Club, Tauranga Bowling Club and demolish the all-weather athletics track.
The croquet club, Tauranga Millennium Track Trust, Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club and the Baypark Speedway Association have formed the Hands Off Tauranga Domain alliance.
The alliance has organised a protest at the domain on March 5 to oppose the plans and create community awareness.
Suitable sites
Tauranga Millennium Track trust member Garth Mathieson told Local Democracy Reporting some of the affected clubs were offered relocation, but suitable sites haven't been identified.
'The master plans are an extinction notice for a number of city assets and organisations.”
The trust raised $1.7 million to build the world class athletics track in 2008 and don't want to see it 'ripped up” for a stadium.
The plans propose to build an athletics track at Baypark in Mount Maunganui but the land is swampy, floods and is too small, says Garth.
It is also situated next to a transfer station, sewage treatment plant, with two fertiliser businesses nearby making it a 'totally unsuitable area,” he says.
Used by schools
Trust chairperson Malcolm Taylor says the track is used year-round by schools and athletics clubs and some clubs indicated they wouldn't travel to Baypark if the relocation occurred.
Tauranga Croquet Club president Gretchen Benvie says the protest is important to create awareness about the plans.
'People just don't know. I don't know whether it''s apathy or it's [the plan] just being snuck under the radar.”
Gretchen says the club had one meeting with the council – and it was at the club's request.
'[There's a] lack of consultation. One meeting doesn't make consultation.”
Sites for relocation have not been discussed with club either, says Gretchen.
'The excuse is if they [council] gave us any ideas and it doesn't turn out, we might be upset. Well that's nonsense, give us some ideas we might buy in.”
Gretchen, along with the other affected clubs, want the green space at the domain retained.
'I believe this should all be left as an open green space. It's used all the time...it's criminal.”
Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club's club captain Michel Galloway says the club faces the loss of two courts and encroachment from the stadium.
In the stadium proposal the club would have two of its courts relocated to make way for another entrance and parking.
The club would lose its view and instead have one of the stadium wall, says Michel.
'The whole beauty of our club is that we're in the domain and it's a beautiful environment. It's a shame to put a big building [on it].”
No financial assistance
The Active Reserves Masterplans also propose to remove Trustpower Stadium from Baypark, which the speedway has called home since it opened 2001.
The speedway association hasn't been offered a site for relocation, but unlike the others there hasn't been the offer of financial assistance.
BOPSA president Mark Decke says the cost of building a ‘like for like' stadium now would be $100 million not including the cost of land.
'Where does a club come up with a hundred million dollars? No club can generate that sort of money.”
In response to the alliance's concerns, TCC city development and partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis says the council has committed to working alongside the relevant sporting groups and users.
'Initial meetings with these groups have taken place and will continue as the project develops, so we can hear from these groups and work through any potential issues together.”
On the issue of greenspace, Wallis says: 'If the community stadium does go ahead, maintaining open spaces, public access, and the provision of green space would be a key consideration in the design and planning”.
No decisions made
Asked if the commissioners planned on attending the protest, commission chair Anne Tolley replied that they did not. 'The commission is very happy to meet with any organisations who are concerned about possible impacts on their activities.
'No decisions have been made and any future proposals would be subject to a full community consultation process, so clubs and the wider community will definitely have the chance to share their feedback.”
Anne says the masterplans are still at a 'high-level”.
Priority One CEO Nigel Tutt says they acknowledge the prospect of change might be challenging for some. 'We have also been heartened to hear some really positive feedback by existing and future users of a community stadium.
'Our focus now is on completing a business case to ensure the viability around use, affordability, and economic benefit. The business case is expected to be completed in April 2023.”
The protest is at 1pm on Sunday, March 5 at the Tauranga Domain grandstand.
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