Stadium repairs continue

Will Johnston

Yarrow Stadium’s redevelopment project is on track to host events next year, albeit with one stand operational.

Stadium owners, Taranaki Regional Council (TRC), said repairs to the West Stand were expected to be finished in November, with sporting and other events possible at the venue in 2022.

Work started on the West Stand last year after Clelands Construction was awarded the contract to repair the earthquake-damaged stand, which closed in June 2018.

Repairs are mostly taking place under the stand. The foundations and the ground are being strengthened and stabilised to meet earthquake safety requirements.

The seats were removed in December and the next phase removing the concrete bleachers before putting it all back together.

In a statement, TRC chairman David MacLeod said access to the foundations made it easier for contractors to make a more detailed assessment of the work required.

He said while the TRC would love to have the stand ready in time for this year’s domestic rugby competition this year, it was a hope, not a promise.

“The overriding priority is to get the redevelopment done properly, regardless of the time it takes.”

Taranaki Rugby chief executive Laurence Corlett isn’t fazed by the timeline and said the project was progressing well.

“This is very exciting for all our stakeholders including our players, commercial partners, members and the general public,” he said.

“Our immediate attention is on a successful 2021 season while the strengthening project is completed.”

While the 2021 draw is still yet to be released, Taranaki will likely play at Inglewood’s TET Stadium again.

On top of the West Stand repairs, the development will also include the demolition of the East Stand, design and construction of a new stand offering more flexibility and scalable capacity, with services also accessible to users of outer fields, main pitch refurbishment and updated LED lighting for the main pitch.

MacLeod said the TRC was going for a ‘Yarrow Stadium-plus' that’s fit for a wide range of users.

“It’ll be worth waiting for.”

The West Stand is the first part of the project underway and the community will be updated on other elements of the redevelopment project.