Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza
The Forsyth Barr Stadium has generated a great deal of debate in recent months. It is important that we are clear about our role in this development, not least because it is a project that depends on significant input from other parties. The other key parties include the Stadium Trust, the Otago Regional Council and the University of Otago.
The Council's role to date has been to continue to partially fund investigation into the construction of a 30,000 seat covered stadium. On 9 February 2009 further resolutions, as detailed below, were passed for inclusion in the Draft Community Plan.
Following the receipt of a guaranteed minimum price tender and two annual/community plan consultations, the Council has decided to proceed with the project under the terms of its earlier resolutions.
On 9 February 2009 the Council confirmed its commitment to the Awatea Street multi-purpose stadium. The resolutions taken at this meeting are shown below in their entirety and contain the conditions attached to this decision. Before the stadium proceeds, the project must meet various conditions, including ensuring planning issues are resolved and that extra money is found to meet a shortfall in private sector funding. This needs to be in the form of a grant,a limited recourse loan or a combination of these funding methods. These conditions are described in Resolutions 6 and 7..
The Carisbrook Stadium Trust has also been instructed to find either savings in the construction budget or additional funding.
In supporting construction of a new stadium, the Council aims to strengthen the city and region's future position as centre for national and international sports competition and events. The stadium would be used for a wide variety of activities, such as rugby matches, conferences and concerts.
Further information about the development and progress to date can be viewed on the Progress Reports page and this information will be regularly updated.
Tell us what you think
If you would like to discuss any of this information further, please contact the General Manager Finance and Corporate Support, Athol Stephens on 477 4000.
Last reviewed: 07 Oct 2009 11:54am
