More than $5 million has been awarded to two Upper Harbour facilities from Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.
Hobsonville Point Marine Sports Recreation Centre Charitable Trust will receive $4 million to progress the next stage of the marine sports centre, while AUT Millennium Trust will receive $1.2 million to resurface an all-weather athletic track.
Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker welcomes the funding and says it’s being put to good use for the Upper Harbour community.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved with both organisations. Our community is very grateful for all their efforts and hard work, building and improving facilities which will be used by many people for a long time to come.”
Funding will be used to re-instate the 8-lane, 400m athletics track and infield areas at the AUT Millennium Stadium. The track is popular and used by many schools and community groups throughout the year. Parts of the track’s northern bend are unusable, and the surface is at the end of its natural life.
Elsewhere, funding will be used to construct the marine centre at Hobsonville Point which includes an all-purpose community club house and equipment storage facilities for various water sports.
Hobsonville Sport Recreation Centre Trust Chairman Mike Stanley is thrilled with the decision.
“This is a major step forward toward making the facility a reality. The trust has been working hard for many years to establish a multi-functional, community focused marine centre for the rapidly growing north-west.
“Work has already commenced on the Marine Centre foundations and platform, along with the jetty and launching pontoon. With the latest funding earmarked toward the construction of the Marine Centre building.
“We have been very fortunate to have the wonderful support of Auckland Council, Kāinga Ora, Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Hobsonville Point Residents Society, Upper Harbour Local Board, Lotteries and Foundation Clubs.”
With building consent approved and tenders for the work being evaluated, the trust is busy raising the balance of funds, with construction planned to start next year on the community clubhouse and equipment storage.
Kāinga Ora General Manager Urban Development and Delivery Mark Fraser says, “We have worked in partnership with the Hobsonville Point Marine Sports Recreation Centre Charitable Trust for a number of years.
“We are delighted that they are receiving this much-needed funding, which will help them to progress works on the new Marine Recreation Centre. Once completed, this fantastic facility will make Hobsonville Point an even greater place to live and visit.”
Upper Harbour Local Board Chair Anna Atkinson says the local board grant for the feasibility study has been money well spent.
“The Marine Centre will be a great facility for Hobsonville Point and the wider community. The centre will offer water access and support for a wide range of water sports and recreation activities.
“But that’s not all, as a community centre, members of the community and community groups will be able to use it for other activities too.
“We hope it will be full of energy and life, and a legacy for future generations.”
Next funding round 2024/2025
Stage 1 applications for the 2024/2025 funding round are due to open in November 2023.
Auckland Council encourages sport and recreation organisations to read the funding guidelines PDF to understand whether they could be eligible to apply.
To discuss your proposal and to initiate the application process, please contact sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Visit the council’s website for more information about the fund.
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