A proposed amenities building beside the hockey turf in Anderson Park, Cromwell is one step closer to reality after the Cromwell Community Board gave approval for land use.
Central Otago Hockey Association president Steve Shaw, who is also a representative on the Central Otago Turf Trust, said he was pleased, because it was now possible to finalise plans and examine funding options.
Mr Shaw said although the hockey turf was of good quality, lack of facilities such as changing rooms and toilets detracted from it.
He said 549 players from Maniototo, Roxburgh, Alexandra, Wanaka and Queenstown played there each week and an amenities building would be essential to expand the sport in the region.
The proposed building would contain four changing rooms, two toilets, one bathroom for the disabled, one shower, an umpires and first aid room, a viewing lounge, kitchen and storage cupboards.
It is expected to cost $300,000. An application for half this amount was made to the board.
Board chairman Neil Gillespie said the board would not approve the funding because of other financial commitments, but would look at including it in the long-term plan next year.
