The Site
Three site options were fully considered after consulting with various community groups
Jaycee Park
South Road (encompassing the Community Centre & Te Runanga o Te Rarawa site)
Redan Road – corner of Commerce Street (encompassing the car park and FNDC Service Centre site)
Jaycee Park was rejected early, given the community’s response to the importance of maintaining the open green space.
Redan Road / Commerce Street site had some appeal but presented some significant issues, particularly around flooding and the limited scope to increase the facility footprint to allow for future growth.
South Road was the site most preferred as it allowed for future expansion and it quickly became apparent that a vision to create a single recreational, educational and cultural hub could be realised at that location. Also, it would develop the south end of town.