Council agrees preferred Sports Park structure

Hastings District Council today voted unanimously on its preferred ownership and
governance structure for the Regional Sports Park. 

The sports park will be built, owned and managed by a charitable trust, with the Council
retaining ownership of the land. This was considered the best option for securing a facility
which is both accountable and responsive to the wants and needs of the community while
retaining community ownership of land holdings. 

Ross McLeod, Hastings District Council’s Chief Executive, said the suggested ownership
structure was a proven model used in other major civic projects. Both Pettigrew Green
Arena in Hawke’s Bay and the Trust Stadium in Waitakere City have used similar
structures. 

“I’m confident Council has made the right decision backing this as the preferred ownership
and governance structure,” he said.
The suggested structure will form part of the public consultation around the Regional
Sports Park scheduled to begin in April.