DEMOLITION of the old McKenzie Stand at McLean Park in Napier and construction of its glitzy replacement will start "as soon as possible" Mayor Barbara Arnott said today in the wake of resource consent being granted.
"We have been given the thumbs-up," a delighted Mrs Arnott said, adding it was a
decision she expected, as she believed the main concerns raised by people opposed to the stand had been addressed.
Independent commissioner Michael Garland gave the green light for the 4750-covered seat Graeme Lowe Stand to the Napier City Council yesterday.
"We have waited long enough. We have the funding and we have the design - now it needs to be built," Mrs Arnott said.
Tenders would now go out, although there is an obligatory 10-day period in which people can appeal the consent, but Mrs Arnott said council had worked hard to mitigate any concerns.
In granting the consent, Mr Garland noted and recommended that a form of opaque glass be used at the back of the stand to ensure residents backing onto the stand retained their privacy.
It was also noted that the new stand would only add 1508 to the seated capacity of the park, so it would generate no major increase in traffic around times events were being staged.
The application had been opposed by three residents.
As well as providing covered seating for more people, the new stand will feature corporate centres and viewing boxes, and will effectively ensure Napier's provisional hosting of two Rugby World Cup matches in 2011 will go ahead.
Mrs Arnott said people like Graeme Lowe, and all those who had supported the fundraising since early 2006, deserved to see their efforts take shape as soon as possible.
Games will continue while construction takes place.
