Community input wanted for Forsyth Barr Stadium Review

Dunedin City Council is seeking community input into its review of the Forsyth Barr Stadium's operation and funding.

Having opened in August last year, in May, the Council agreed that it would be timely to undertake a review of its operations and funding model.

The DCC's review includes an invitation to the community to make suggestions for improvements. Of particular focus is how to ensure that the community can use the Stadium and how its operating costs can be reduced, while optimising revenue.

Mayor Dave Cull says "I am looking forward to hearing from Dunedin people about how we can improve their use of the Stadium. I welcome any ideas, and we will consider all of them as we work to ensure the Stadium is used to its full potential."

This information will supplement DCHL's investigation into the financial and operating model of the Stadium.

The more than 220 organisations that have used the Stadium facilities will be surveyed directly, a survey will be sent to the 625 People's Panel members and an invitation to provide comments will also be sent to community groups.

Once the community input has been received, it, and the results of DCHL's study, will be considered by the Stadium Model Subcommittee, of which Mayor Dave Cull is the Chair.

If required, a second round of community feedback may be sought through focus groups or a follow-up survey to investigate concepts or ideas in greater detail.

Massey University academic Sam Richardson, who has extensively studied stadium economics, highlights that hopelessly optimistic projections of the Stadium's build cost and income have left the city deep in debt.

Richardson says stadiums are generally expensive to build and operate, and draw smaller and less frequent events than expected, stating that projections "tend to be very optimistic."

Richardson adds "the result is the stadium, rather than being an engine for growth, a productive resource, tends to be a drain."

Contributions to the consulation can be made up to Friday 9th November at www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation

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