Backing from Auckland Council has played a vital role in the extensive refurbishment of the Waitemata Table Tennis Club Stadium, providing $830,000 to help the $1.9million project.
The new purpose-built facility is twice the size and is wheelchair accessible. It replaces the original building which was built by volunteers in the 1970s from secondhand materials.
The project to restore the building demolished the old structure but kept the playing floor, which is one of the best playing surfaces in the country.
Council funding for the refurbishment came from Waitākere Ranges Local Board, Henderson-Massey Local Board, and the council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.
Valuable community asset
Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper says that the project has been a long time in coming.
“Good things come to those who wait, and we’ve had to wait for this, but what a result,” she says.
“We’ve backed this project since the start as we know how important it is to the community, and the result is magnificent. Well done to all involved.
“Not only is it a valuable community asset, but the facilities will help put the club on the map and attract high-calibre players and tournaments to the area.”
Andrew Palmer (WTTA Building Committee Chair), Simon Fenwick (WTTA Project Manager), Nick Harris (Auckland Council), Craig Dye ( Building Committee), Alfred (member)
Delighted
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair, Saffron Toms, is also delighted at the outcome.
“We were so pleased to be able to help fund this project,” she says.
“There is a really active and involved community who utilise the facility and are members of the club, and this project means that they will be able to continue for a long time.”
Significant difference
Andrew Palmer, club chairman, says that the accessibility of the new building will make a significant difference.
“Being wheelchair accessible was a big driver for our club as there is huge unmet need for wheelchair and para table tennis in West Auckland.
“Without council backing, and council funding there is no way this project would have gotten off the ground. The council has been invaluable this entire journey,” he says.
“The expansion means we can run coaching at the same time casual hire, or other sessions are on, meaning it’s easier to cater for all members. Now that we have more space we are also open to other community groups enquiring about access to the stadium. We would also be suitable for indoor bowls, or any group wanting to use the facilities for meetings.
“We expect to more than double membership as in the past we have simply been full, all the time.”
