A sports and recreation arena for Waitati is one step closer, with a preliminary concept plan being presented to the Waikouaiti Coast community board meeting last week.
The plan was presented by Paul Sirota and Graeme Bennett, of the Blueskin Youth Hall Committee.
The cost of the community arena would be several hundred thousand dollars, he said. It was hoped the arena would be big enough for team sports, including tennis and netball.
A toy library and a playcentre could be included.
The northern end of Bland Park was the preferred site, he said. The Blueskin Youth Hall Committee held $120,000 towards the proposed complex, but the community would have to raise further funds.
The community needed to work together on developments, Cr Andrew Noone said.
The pending realignment of State Highway 1 through Waitati would give an opportunity to redevelop the centre of Waitati. There would be further consultation with neighbours and the Waitati and Blueskin Bay communities about the proposed arena.
A petition had been received by the community board opposing the community arena site.
