YMCA's Future Location to be Considered

An investigation is about to begin on the future of New Plymouth’s YMCA site.

New Plymouth District Council, the YMCA and New Plymouth Y Community Stadium Trust (YST) are working together to examine the possible relocation of the YMCA and YST businesses, possibly to areas adjacent to TSB Stadium.

This is part of a wider study of the recreation demands on the TSB Stadium/Pukekura Raceway area.

“At the YMCA we have an ageing facility and a schedule of maintenance work to upgrade the property to meet current and future demands," says YMCA CEO Linda Cox.

“In addition, our early childhood centre is too small to meet increasing demand. The YMCA wish to look at the best use of that money and whether or not a possible move and use of the available funds could better serve the community.”

NPDC Manager Property Assets Peter Handcock says there is the possibility of relocating some or all of those services to a purpose-built site adjacent to TSB Stadium for the benefit of both sports facilities and the childcare centre, and perhaps selling the current YMCA site.

“What we’re doing now is examining the business case and investigating the potential for all parties,” says Mr Handcock.

“This is part of a wider look at the recreation demands on the area of the TSB Stadium and Pukekura Raceway. This is a prime public reserve with many parties interested in potential developments for their sports and leisure interests, so we need to take a strategic approach to the entire area.”

This approach will take into account the area’s status under the Reserves Act 1977 and the New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Act 1999.

The parties will also investigate the land titles that comprise the 8,364m2 YMCA site and obtain an estimate of its sale value.

In November last year the YMCA and YST raised the idea of shifting to TSB Stadium. A working party was established to investigate the proposal, and on its recommendation the Council decided in December last year to undertake the study.

A memorandum of understanding regarding the study, which will be undertaken by Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architects and SGL Group, has just been signed by the Council, YMCA and YST.

“The study will consider maintaining the status quo and the requirements for keeping the businesses in their current areas.

“It will also look at relocating the YMCA, and services provided on the current site, to a purpose-built stadium facility with shared facilities alongside the current TSB Stadium,” says Mr Handcock.

The study will be completed by December this year. Any recommendations will be considered as part of the Council’s Draft Long-Term Plan.