Field upgrade for World Cup event

Readylawn Industries major contracts manager and turf specialist Peter Maclachlan works on an upgrade to the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin last week.

Dunedin City Council parks and recreation group manager Scott MacLean said the football playing field within the athletics track at the Caledonian Ground was being upgraded in preparation for the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023. The council-funded project would cost $180,000.

The upgrade involved removing and renewing the playing surface, cleaning existing field drains and installing additional drains.

The work was required to meet Fifa's specifications for training pitches but would also benefit future Dunedin club and representative football, Mr MacLean said.

The work was expected to be completed by May 25.