28 October 2009

Work on improving the sporting facilities at Tuakau’s Dr John Lightbody Reserve will begin next week, with the demolition of the old grandstand.

The sports ground is being revamped to include new toilets, changing facilities and seating for spectators. The sports fields and athletics track will be realigned and improved, with better user access created.

Franklin District Council GM Community Facilities Ian Alexander says, “Council has partnered the Tuakau Sports Complex Trust on this project and we thank them for their work in driving this initiative. Council will fund $100,000, in conjunction with the Trust fundraising the additional money required to complete the project. The end result will be facilities and sports fields Tuakau can be proud of. It will be a great improvement on the current grandstand, which has been a target for vandalism and graffiti over the years.”

The grandstand, originally built in 1958 by the Tuakau Borough Council, is now a safety hazard and must be demolished. The demolition will start on Tuesday.

Concept planning for the new facilities is currently underway. It is hoped work will be completed next year.