24 | Stadium project nears completion T Karen Phelps The $50m Yarrow Stadium project includes a main pitch upgrade, new LED floodlights and major earthquake strengthening work on the West Stand. REGIONAl DEVELOPMENT Taranaki Regional Council: Yarrow Stadium “We’re back in operation” is how Taranaki Regional Council director of corporate services and Trustee of the Taranaki Stadium Trust Mike Nield terms the fact that the Yarrow Stadium West Stand will shortly be open for business. “Since late 2017 we’ve missed out on a lot of events. It will be good to have these back, offering our community a full range of events and all the associated economic and cultural benefit that brings. It’s been about cracking on with solutions and delivering results,” he says. The $50m Yarrow Stadium project will see the facility redeveloped to ensure its stands meet earthquake standards and the venue remains fit for purpose. Ratepayers are funding $30m of the budget with the remaining $20m covered by a Government grant under the shovel-ready economic stimulus package. Mike says that the project has provided support for the local region during the pandemic with local companies such as Clelands Construction, Taranaki Civil Construction, Titan Cranes and BOON architects involved. “We’ve had a policy of appointing the best people to do the job so it’s gratifying to see that local firms have really stood up to the level of the national firms in terms of ability to do the job. “I want to give a big shout out to all the contractors and subcontractors involved in the project, they’ve done a fantastic job and we owe them a debt of gratitude.” Mike says that the Council, which owns the project, has the vision to develop the best regional stadium in New Zealand that regularly hosts local, regional, national, and international sports and entertainment events Repairs of the West Stand are nearing completion. The stand has had major earthquake strengthening works completed including improvements to ground stability, foundation tiebacks and new steel beams. This has involved the removal of all bleachers and seating to gain access to the ground below, as well as structural components. Site work started in December 2020 and this project is due for delivery in time for the 2022 winter sports season. Lead contractor is New Plymouth-based Clelands Construction. The overall Yarrow Stadium project also includes upgrading the main pitch lighting and turf. New LED floodlights have been installed on the existing light towers and grandstand roofs. The new lights will increase illuminance by 50% while reducing power consumption by 30%. This will be commissioned and operational early 2022. The main pitch upgrade will see ‘GrassMaster’ hybrid turf – a blend of natural turf grown through and among artificial fibre that gives the pitch a longer life with shorter recovery times. Mike says that hybrid turf can triple the amount of weekly playing time compared with conventional turf and is already in use at top venues including ASB Stadium, Hamilton’s “We’ve had a policy of appointing the best people to do the job so it’s gratifying to see that local firms have really stood up to the level of the national firms in terms of ability to do the job.” Looking for an intelligent perspective? ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR LANDSCAPE URBAN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT BUILDING COMPLIANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT “Proudly working on Yarrows Stadium with our project partners.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=