‘extinction notices’

[council] gave us any ideas and it doesn’t turn out, we might be upset. Well that’s nonsense, give us some ideas we might buy in.”

Gretchen, along with the other a ected clubs, want the green space at the domain retained. “I believe this should all be left as an open green space. It’s used all the time... it’s criminal.”

Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club’s club captain e club would lose its view and instead have one of the stadium wall, says Michel.

Michel Galloway says the club faces the loss of two courts and encroachment from the stadium.

In the stadium proposal the club would have two of its courts relocated to make way for another entrance and parking.

“ e whole beauty of our club is that we’re in the domain and it’s a beautiful environment. It’s a shame to put a big building [on it].”

No nancial assistance

e Active Reserves Masterplans also propose to remove Trustpower Stadium from Baypark, which the speedway has called home since 2001.

e speedway association hasn’t been o ered a site for relocation, but unlike the others there hasn’t been the o er of nancial assistance.

BOPSA president Mark Decke says the cost of building a ‘like for like’ stadium now would be $100m not including the cost of land. “Where does a club come up with a hundred million dollars? No club can generate that sort of money.”

In response to the alliance’s concerns, TCC city development and partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis says the council has committed to working alongside the relevant sporting groups and users. “Initial meetings with these groups have taken place and will continue as the project develops, so we can hear from these groups and work through any potential issues together.”

On greenspace, Wallis says: “If the community stadium does go ahead, maintaining open spaces, public access, and the provision of green space would be a key consideration in the design and planning”.

No decisions made

Asked if the commissioners planned on attending the protest, commission chair Anne Tolley replied they did not. “ e commission is very happy to meet with any organisations who are concerned about possible impacts on their activities. No decisions have been made and any future proposals would be subject to a full community consultation process, so clubs and the wider community will de nitely have the chance to share their feedback.”

Priority One CEO Nigel Tutt acknowledges the prospect of change might be challenging for some. “We have also been heartened to hear some really positive feedback by existing and future users of a community stadium. Our focus now is on completing a business case to ensure the viability around use, a ordability, and economic bene t. e business case is expected to be completed April 2023.” e protest is 1pm Sunday, March 5 at the Tauranga Domain grandstand. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.