By Stu Piddington

The South Canterbury Rugby Union's proposed $7.5m redevelopment of Alpine Energy Stadium has scored a $500,000 kickstart.

Trust Aoraki have committed the funds to the project as the SCRU pushes ahead with its vision to create a high class, multi-use venue for not only rugby but other sports at their Church St headquarters in Timaru.

SCRU chief executive Craig Calder said the stadium simply could not continue in its current form.

JOHN BISSET/STUFF

South Canterbury rugby has scored a $500,000 grant from Trust Aoraki towards the redevelopment of Alpine Energy Stadium in Timaru. Trust representatives Peter Valentine, Juliet Fahey and Murray Cleverley are pictured with a delighted South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder (left).

"It was costing too much to try to patch up a decaying asset."

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Trust Aoraki spokesperson Murray Cleverley said they were pleased to be able to support what will be the biggest sporting infrastructure project in South Canterbury in 2020.

JOHN BISSET/STUFF

A aerial view of Alpine Energy Stadium taken in August 2018.

"When we give to infrastructure it feels like a gift that keeps giving into the future."

Calder said the union was grateful to the trust for their support.

"It is the first step on the funding ladder. We will still require other funding agencies and the wider community to come on board to make this redevelopment a reality."

Calder said a successful application to New Zealand Lotteries was the key element to getting the project underway.

Features include the installation of a hybrid playing surface on the No 1 ground which will be the same as Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium with real grass woven with artificial. There will be an additional sand-based turf on the No. 2 ground, along with a new multi-use pavilion on the northern side of the ground.

Calder said the hybrid surface will allow the field to be utilised far more often across a variety of sports.

"The new building (which will sit on the opposite side to the current structure) will have an aesthetically pleasing design and will incorporate the SCRU offices, a large lounge plus space that may in the future be possibly leased to a health service-based provider, as well as a rehabilitation gym."

The ground floor is taken up by eight changing rooms, all with showers and toilet facilities. Calder said an important feature of the design allows the changing rooms to be utilised for either male or the growing number of female teams. The design will also allow direct entry from the changing rooms on to the playing surface.

The stadiums open eastern stand will be demolished as will the older part of the existing main grandstand, both for safety reasons. There will be bleacher seating to hold 450 people.

The stadium is owned by the Fraser Park Community Trust with the South Canterbury Rugby Union undertaking the redevelopment and Calder said the clubs had unanimously supported the plans.

"It is the union's fourth attempt in 15 years to undertake a redevelopment and we are delighted with the progress made to date. We have an overwhelming mandate from the clubs and stakeholders to proceed.

Calder said if everything went to plan work could get underway as soon as November.

"Hopefully it would be ready for the 2020 Heartland Championship."

The union had received wide support from other codes including cricket, softball, rugby league and football, as well as Sport Canterbury.

Calder said the Crusaders had committed to return to play either preseason or mid-season friendly games once the project was completed, which was another bonus for rugby fans.

The project was first mooted in 2017 with the appointment of Opus to provide a feasibility study on whether rugby should stay at Alpine Energy Stadium or opt to go elsewhere. The conclusion of the study was that the existing site was the best out of many options considered. Once the decision was made to stay, the union appointed project managers RDT Pacific to prepare concept plans and a business case.

The Rooney Group, who have been involved with Waimate Event Centre, the Craighead Diocesan gymnasium and new Canterbury Cricket ground at Hagley Park, have been engaged along with Thompson Design and Engineering for a further detailed design concept and pricing.

The union has also appointed Phillipa Guerin as redevelopment project manager.

Article added: Friday 05 April 2019