We would like to thank everyone that took the time to provide feedback on this proposal. Your feedback has provided Council with better insight into what residents, users and the wider community value about the Westbrook sports facilities and green spaces.
Council received 90 responses. From those submissions, we were able to identify a number of themes that will help to inform and develop any plans going forward.
Key themes expressed were:
- Protecting the amenity values for neighbouring properties
- Concerns about increased traffic
- Support for all-weather athletics facilities
- Support for open spaces, natural areas and the ecological value of the site
- Support for quality sport fields and recreation facilities
- Opportunities for clean-ups in neighbouring spaces
- Support for continued access to golf facilities
Proposal update:
Given the current COVID-19 situation and the potential impact on our community, Rotorua Lakes Council must focus on the district’s Build Back Better economic recovery plan.
As a result, the proposed Westbrook Sport and Recreation Precinct project timeline will be extended for it to be considered for the next Long-term Plan in 2024.
Council remains committed to achieving the district’s Vision 2030 goals of creating a city that has outstanding places to play and an enhanced environment for all to enjoy. However, the focus at this time must be on supporting our community through what may be a very difficult period.
The extended timeline will enable Council to continue with important investigation and planning work, and work with key stakeholders as well as potential external funders, to ensure the proposal’s master plan is in the best position to be considered for the 2024 Long Term Plan process.
In the meantime, Council will continue to work with the sport and recreation community to support its ongoing sustainability and making the best use possible of the current sports field network.
Council will keep the community updated as this proposal progresses in the future.
Current sports grounds and facilities in Rotorua are not up to modern standards, and are insufficient to meet current demand and future needs. This is largely due to environmental factors (e.g. geothermal) and other issues associated with previous uses of these various sites (e.g. landfill, industrial uses).
As a result, Rotorua’s sports field network does not currently cope with the demand for grass based sports training and competition. Specifically, there is a need to provide an additional 70 – 80 hours of playing and training time per week. This is without considering future demand associated with growth. We need to ensure we meet current and future demand for our local sports teams and clubs.
We want to create a vibrant and attractive space that brings the community together, is accessible to all and where people have the opportunity to experience multiple sports or activities. We also need to improve the sustainability of our sporting clubs and community groups. The proposal includes the relocation of a number of a sports clubs currently located at other sports fields across the city. By sharing facilities, resources and costs, clubs can focus on delivering and growing sports and activities that benefit their members.
We also need to activate use of the stadium and improve the experience for spectators by creating a purpose built tournament venue that will attract high quality events to Rotorua while still providing for community sport.
The initial draft Masterplan also shows potential space for a residential development at the eastern end of the current golf course and the northern end of Ray Boord Park to support the creation of more housing in Rotorua.
Council has engaged with all of the local sports field user codes, their regional and national sporting bodies, and existing users of those facilities involved to gain initial feedback and ideas.
From this an initial draft Masterplan for the Westbrook Sport and Recreation precinct and a feasibility report has been developed. Council have worked alongside Sport NZ and Sport BOP in the development of the concept.
Council are working with New Zealand Golf and the Springfield Golf Course committee on potential options for the club and its members, including the potential of relocating them to one of the two premier 18-hole golf courses in Rotorua. Springfield Golf Course is located on Council owned land. The existing lease for this land expires in 2027. If the proposal was to proceed the golf course would be redeveloped as part of the sport and recreation precinct with an area of the golf course set aside for residential housing.
If this project was to progress Council would be seeking funding from project partners, community funds and central government as well as potential funding through the Long Term Plan. Funding could also come from the provision of the allocation of land for residential development.
