Growth of netball drives expansion

Rex Graham (right), Brendon Smith (centre) and Tina Arlidge check out the netball expansion construction at the Pak'nSave Hastings Netball Centre at the HB Regional Sports Park. Photo / Paul Taylor

Work has begun on a $500,000 extension to the Pak'nSave Hastings Netball Centre at the Regional Sports Park.

The extension will double the size of the existing facility.

"Following the formation of Hawke's Bay Netball we now have 7000 players compared to just 2500 when the existing building opened, five years ago. The building expansion allows us to accommodate that growth and provide greater public space," said HB Netball's operations manager, Tina Arlidge.

Sports Park Trust chairman Rex Graham said netball was a great example of what can happen with good management and good facilities.

"The sport is well managed, it has grown strongly and because of that we can justify an expansion of their facilities," he said.

The extension incorporates 100 square metres of public space, additional storage and an elevated control tower for better viewing of the courts.

Pak'nSave Hastings owner Brendon Smith said growth in the sport had been a factor in his company's decision to extend its operational sponsorship of the centre through until 2025.

"It's great to be part of something that is so successful and we can only see it getting better," he says.

Hastings District Council has provided half of the funds for the project with the balance having come from Sports Park Trust fundraising and a capital contribution from Hawke's Bay Netball.

The extended building is expected to be completed in October.