Velodrome fails to fire wide interest

Submitters focused on the cost and the small number of users.

Despite not being a specific topic for consultation, the proposed multi-use velodrome was an issue which did not score highly in submissions for the Napier City Council annual plan consultation document.

Of the 34 people who submitted on the velodrome more than 80 per cent were against the facility, had concerns, or needed more information about the project. Of those, 12 per cent were in favour and 6 per cent did not specify their preference.

In their report on submissions council officers commented that the long-term plan feedback showed there was strong support, of 78 per cent, for the project .

"There is strong demand for additional court space and for a multi-use facility in Hawke's Bay. The facility will not just be a velodrome," the report stated.

Comments from submitters focused on its cost, and the perceived small pool of users, and many stated they did not support the precedence of the velodrome over other projects. Others were concerned about the project's lack of prominence in the document.

Napier City Council chief executive Wayne Jack said the consultation document only contained four items which council had received good feedback on.

Responses were close for the Sustainable Capital Programme, with 45.8 per cent in favour of completing the proposed work programme for 2016/2017, and 43.9 per cent favouring continuing as per the long-term plan for that period. Repairing the Embankment Rd bridge was favoured in 88 per cent of responses, and nearly 78 per cent were in favour of upgrading Anderson Park's amenities and grounds as outlined. For the Taradale Stormwater upgrade, 67 per cent favoured putting the project on hold in 2016/2017 to complete detailed modelling work and to increase the spend by $1.4 million, while 28 per cent wanted to continue with the original open drain as outlined in the long-term plan.

A total of 227 submissions were received, with some residents speaking on their submissions yesterday and today at council.

So far Mr Jack said submissions had been going well, with council consulting on them and considering against them other projects.

In their report on submissions, council stated other issues raised as well as the velodrome were the Ahuriri Water Sports facility, Napier Swimming Pools, and freedom campers. Other topics with multiple submissions included a Gisborne-Napier rail, a Celestial Star Compass in Waitangi Regional Park, and erosion at Westshore beach.

Through two petitions, almost 400 people supported the upgrade of what was described as a dangerous, narrow, and winding section of Puketiri Rd, from Rotowhenua to Fryer roads.

On behalf of "concerned citizens of Napier and the surrounding areas", four residents made additional submissions requesting a cyclist pathway, widening of the road, and other safety measures.

Jo Newton wrote the road's blind corners made her and her family fearful of rounding a bend to find a car on their side of the road. She wanted upgrades before a serious or fatal accident occurred.