Where should the proposed stadium settle?

A unanimous “leave it as it is” was the response from Tauranga residents when asked whether they think the Tauranga Domain is the best place for the proposed $220.2 million boutique stadium.

The proposed stadium is causing upset among local sports groups and clubs which use the current facilities at the domain, and saw hundreds protesting in opposition back in March.

If built, the stadium would provide 7000 permanent seats and accommodate 8000 extra temporary seats. Also included in the proposal is a “light” exhibition centre with 2000m2 of exhibition space; a 1300m2 function centre, a community multi-use facility with 400m2 of changing rooms and lounge space, and a sports science/ physiotherapy space with 250m2 of exclusive space.

e business case for the stadium is being led by Western Bay of Plenty economic development Priority One.

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt stated in a council meeting that location analysis showed the Tauranga Domain is the right place for the stadium. “It’s multi-use, it’s the right size and it ts all the needs that we have.”

So is the Tauranga Domain the best place for such a stadium? e Weekend Sun took to Downtown Tauranga to gain residents’ thoughts.

Bryan Hooper says: “Leave it as it is”.

“Look at the infrastructure. What are they going to do with the roading?

“Let’s get real here. So what we’re going to have the bulls**t that’s going on down Cameron Rd now with their infrastructure? Like hello? Braindead.”

Erica Whalen says the Tauranga Domain has lots of things that people are utilising and doesn’t want to see it changed. “Why put other people out that have been there for a long time? People like the green space. Use Baypark.

“Use what we’ve got. Why make a mess somewhere else just for the sake of it being in CBD? ere’s no parking so it just means more issues.

“Like you could go all the way to Baypark where there’s plenty of parking.”

“I mean it’s a lovely facility up there [at the domain],” says CBD business proprietor Ralph Ward. “ ey put up a temporary stand when they have a big event up there. Keep it going, they don’t need to waste... millions on a stadium.”

Tauranga resident Robyn Williams thinks the proposed stadium will become a rugby stadium and “that’ll be it”. “It’s more pressure on people for a stadium we’ve already got at Baypark and it cuts down the amount of other things that the domain can be used for.

“If it becomes a rugby eld the rugby people are going to take it over. Council will wash their hands of it and it’ll be up to the rugby council, whoever runs it, to maintain it.”

Willy Wihapi questioned what’s wrong with the stadium at Baypark? “Why don’t they do that properly? at’s what I’m thinking. at one there [Baypark] could be used better I think.” e decision for whether the stadium will go ahead at the Tauranga Domain is anticipated for the end of September. Have your say at: letstalk.tauranga. govt.nz/projects/proposed-communitystadium