New Petone sports stadium backed by Hutt City Council

A proposed new stadium in Petone is one step closer, with the Hutt City Council confirming that the Petone Arena will be included in its annual plan.

The 12,000-seat venue, proposed by Wellington Phoenix co-owner Gareth Morgan, would be built at the Petone Recreation Ground by the Community Facilities Trust.

Set to be the new home of the Wellington Phoenix, the Council is being called on to contribute $25 million of the $48 million cost of the venue, along with a $350,000 operating grant for the 'boutique' stadium's first year.

Speculation over whether the Phoenix could move away from Westpac Stadium has grown after public criticism of existing facilities by Morgan. Westpac Stadium is also seen as lacking intimacy for the Phoenix’s crowds.

Hutt City Council will now begin a community consultation on backing for the Stadium plan in from April.

Describing the plan as "hugely significant", Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace recently stated "this proposal represents great opportunities for our city but there are also community concerns. As a financially prudent council with an excellent track record of keeping rates low and meeting debt targets it is important we do due diligence, our homework, before we commit to any investment of this kind.

"No provision has been made in our budget for this proposal. Given the significance of this decision there is no need to rush things. It is vital that before any commitment is made we hear from our community and more detailed investigation is undertaken to ensure any decision made is the best ones for our city and its people.

"If this proposal was to proceed there would be a one per cent increase in rates per annum, above any inflationary increase, and amendments to council's debt targets. While as a council we are in an excellent financial position, particularly when compared with other councils in the region, changes to rates and debt targets need careful consideration and will be a large part of our community consultation."

The community will be able to provide feedback on the plan from 15th April at huttcity.govt.nz

If developed, it is expected that the Petone Arena will be ready for the 2016-17 season.