The Regional Sports Park represents an outstanding deal for ratepayers according to Park Trustee and horticulturist Rex Graham.
"The funding cost of a fully developed park, to the average Hastings ratepayer, is around 60 cents per week. This is outstanding value for money when you consider the scale and quality of the facilities," says Mr Graham.
"Whenever you do something on this scale it ignites the ‘Sydney Opera House syndrome'. It creates a lot of debate at the time, but people look back and say what a great decision that was. Wellington's Westpac Stadium is another example. The difference between the Regional Sports Park and the Sydney Opera House, is cost. We're aiming for something that's outstanding value for money and the Opera House was many times over budget," he says.
When complete the 30 hectare site will incorporate an all weather athletics track, a 2500 seat grandstand, 8 football fields, 16 tennis courts, 18 netball courts, an indoor velodrome and central complex accommodating offices and gymsports.
"The Park will be a trailblazer that will make Hawke's Bay a centre of sporting excellence. The track is world class, the velodrome will be the only indoor venue in the North Island and a number of sports have expressed interest in locating their national offices in the central complex. It's important people of the Bay realise the scale and quality of facilities on offer," he says.
Funding for the full $56 million development is coming from several sources including central and local government, the corporate sector, individuals and a range of charitable organisations.
"A lot of people ask me where the money's coming from and it's a valid question in the current economic climate, but we're very happy with fundraising progress. The important thing is that ratepayers' are getting a good deal" says Mr Graham.
Mr Graham said the economic climate has created some challenges but also opportunity. "Building the grandstand will be a shot in the arm for the local economy and we are expecting some good news out of the tender process. For example the price of materials, especially steel, is more attractive than it was a year ago," he says.
