New Zealand Government to make $20 million contribution to Yarrow Stadium redevelopment

The project to repair New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium has been given a $20 million funding injection from the New Zealand Government.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the funding yesterday during a visit to New Plymouth where she pledged that $48 million would be pumped into seven projects in the region to boost the economy and create about local jobs.

Commenting on the contribution to the $50 million project to repair and redevelop of Yarrow Stadium, Prime Minister Ardern stated “projects like sports facilities, pools and libraries unite communities and supporting them is a win-win for regional economies and social wellbeing, as we reap the rewards of going hard and early in response to COVID-19 to get our regions and economy back open again.”

The project includes repairs to Yarrow Stadium’s two main stands, which have not been used since June 2018 as they are considered an earthquake risk along with technology upgrades, new LED lighting and improvements to the pitch.

Owned by the Taranaki Stadium Trust, a Taranaki Regional Council-controlled body, and operated by the New Plymouth District Council, the venue, primarily used for rugby matches, currently operates at a reduced capacity.

The project to restore the venue to “full operational use” was agreed in January, with a process commencing to select contractors to work on the project. However, commencement was delayed by New Zealand’s Coronavirus shutdown.

Welcoming the funding, Taranaki Regional Council Chairman David MacLeod told Radio New Zealand “we’re extremely grateful for this ‘shovel-ready’ funding from the Government.

“It will reduce Yarrow Stadium rates by a considerable amount, and we’re aiming for work to begin before the end of the year.”