Implementing the Manukau Sports Bowl Masterplan can now begin.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board adopted the masterplan earlier this year, subject to an amendment to include providing a synthetic athletics track.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says the plan aims to guide development of the Sports Bowl over the next 30 years.
“We are excited to have a plan in place that will guide development towards our vision of creating an inviting and inclusive destination park for everyone in our community.
“An implementation plan was developed after engagement on the projects for the master plan, and what the priorities should be.
“The master and draft implementation plans will guide planning, business case development and help us identify funding for projects that meet community needs.
“That’s critical because it guides our decision making and investment in the site and can be used to inform our work programmes.”
The draft implementation plan has a staged approach to ensure development at the site provides for the long-term outcomes being sought.
It was discussed with the board in September with minor changes made, and the athletics track reconfirmed as the priority project.
Council’s development arm Eke Panuku is working on a business case for funding to support the track, proposed for what is now the greyhound track.
Council leasing staff are working with Auckland Greyhound Racing on moving racing away from the Sports Bowl to facilitate the track’s development.
Autagavaia says the community was pleased when the masterplan was adopted earlier this year.
“People told us they wanted a local park that meets local needs, and we recognised then that the community strongly supported an athletics track, so we are pleased it is now documented as part of the plan.
“We want to thank mana whenua, the community and local organisations for their input, which has been invaluable in getting us to this point,” he says.
“We will continue to advocate to the Governing Body for budget in both the annual plan and 10-year budget for the masterplan, and will keep working with Eke Panuku for its implementation, a key part of our 2023 Local Board Plan.”
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