Energy Consumer Trust pledges $1m to help boost Bay Oval

It is looking to be a busy summer for the Bay Oval after major funding for redevelopment has been announced. Photo/File

Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust has announced today the trust will fund $1 million towards the redevelopment of the Bay Oval.

This comes after yesterday's announcement that the Black Caps will be moving their ODI match against England from Napier to Tauranga.

The announcement was made at a function earlier today by TECT chairman Bill Holland.

The $4m redevelopment includes LED lighting, increased embankment, a replay screen and media facilities.

The function held in the Carrus Pavilion, at the Bay Oval celebrated and acknowledged the
significant support the project has had from the wider community.

This included $915,000 from Tauranga City Council, a list of local corporate sponsors who have contributed more than $1m to the project, and continued support from a number of gaming trusts, including The Lion Foundation and NZCT.

"TECT are delighted to be able to assist with the continued development of the Bay Oval. The opportunities are far wider than just the cricket and the economic development potential is extremely exciting for our growing region," Mr Holland said.

Chairman of the Bay Oval Trust Craig Greenlees acknowledged the importance of the TECT
grant, as a cornerstone funder.

"The TECT grant is our largest single contribution to the project. Their confidence was a vital base on which we were able to build wider support. The Bay Oval project is unique in this region, in that it is a wonderful example of the success that is possible with a public/private partnership."

The rewards of the redevelopment were immediate with New Zealand Cricket announcing
yesterday the Bay Oval will be hosting the Black Caps vs England in ODI next February.

This is the culmination of a busy summer for the Bay Oval which includes three other T20 Internationals against the West Indies and Pakistan, seven games of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, including the final. All the games will be televised and under lights.

2017- 2018 Cricket Schedule at the Bay Oval
Burger King Super Smash
Dec 16, 2017: Knights v Auckland Aces
Dec 27, 2017: Knights v Central Stags
International T20s
January 1, 2018: Black Caps v West Indies
January 3, 2018: Black Caps v West Indies
January 28, 2018: Black Caps v Pakistan
ICC Under-19 World Cup
January 13,14,16,17,19, 20, 2018
Final: February 6, 2018
One-day international
February 28, 2018: Black Caps v England