Waimate residents today have their last chance to see what all the fuss is about - how their existing, run-down and limited-use sports stadium will fit into a new facility that could cost them up to $3.8 million.
Then, they are being asked to give their views on the project to the Waimate District Council.
Located on the corner of Paul St and Victoria Tce, the old stadium started life as an army drill hall. Then extensions were added from the 1970s, including squash courts and supporting facilities for the Waimate Squash Club.
With changing demands, the facility no longer meets the needs of a large sector of the sporting community, although a small number still find it satisfactory.
Various proposals for a new stadium have been mooted for at least five years, but the Waimate District Council dropped plans in July 2012. However, in November 2012, after the sale of one of the council's properties, the idea of redeveloping the existing stadium was back on the table.
That has advanced to the stage where the council, after consultation and public meetings, has proposed $3.5 million to $3.8 million for the project in the 2014-15 annual plan, paying for it by increasing the special targeted stadium rate.
That would see the targeted rate paid by all properties increase from $10.21 per property to almost $33 in the 2014-15 rating year and by a further $55.09 in the 2015-16 year to a total of $88.
The feeling of some is if the project is not done now, then it may never happen.
That is likely to be the biggest issue in public submissions on the council's annual plan for next financial year.
Already, public meetings have been held around the district and today's open day at the stadium between 2pm and 4pm is the final chance of three planned to see how the redevelopment will use the existing facility.
Plans for the redevelopment have been finalised after consultation with key interest groups to ensure it would meet as many uses it could.
The ground floor would include:
• A stage including stairs using the existing stage.
• Sufficient storage space for all users.
• Tournament office.
• Male and female toilets, showers and changing rooms.
• Separate function room.
• Function room toilet.
• Reception area.
• Entry foyer including stairwell and lift.
• Court area that meets standards for basketball, netball and tennis.
• Court control area.
The first floor would have:
• Fitness centre.
• Viewing area and landing.
• Male and female toilets, showers and changing rooms.
The squash club would retain its facilities with minor alterations to the entrance.
Council property manager Sue Kelly believed the new stadium was the most cost-effective solution to deliver a facility the community could be proud of.
Public submissions on the annual plan and stadium proposal close on April 1.
