The decision by the Napier City Council to develop McLean Park as a multi-purpose venue is good news for sports fans and the region as a whole.
For years now McLean Park has been the home of Bay rugby and, in particular, the Magpies. Cricket has been played on thepark, most notably at last year's Cricket World Cup, but what this decision means is that we could get regular international cricket coming to Napier.
This week, the city council's services committee decided to approve the development and also use the existing sportsgrounds development budget in the next three financial years for upgrades to the park.
These include the construction of drop-in cricket wicket facilities, an upgraded LED sports field, lighting and the construction of a fit-for-purpose cricket practice facility.
The reward for this is more international cricket. Napier will host three games in two months at the start of next year, with the Black Caps taking on Bangladesh, Australia and South Africa. The following summer will see the Black Caps square off against Pakistan and England. All are limited-overs one-day internationals or Twenty20 matches.
Napier City Council is certainly taking the initiative to turn the city into an events capital, which can only be beneficial to the Bay.
We know what the Bay has to offer, but having facilities to host world class events will mean that sports fans from around the country and the world will experience the joys of Napier and the region.
The council deserves to be congratulated for the efforts it is making.
