Sports House on way

LOOKING FORWARD: Nolan King and mayor Grant Smith confirm the agreement with a handshake. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed for a proposed Sports House at Arena Manawatu.

Mayor Grant Smith and Sport Manawatu board chairman Nolan King signed the understanding earlier this month which will allow the building to be a part of the sports hub at Central Energy Trust Arena.

This will also be a bid to push the arena as our city's premier sports complex. The proposal suggests housing sporting administrators, such as Sport Manawatu, in the one building on Cuba Street.

The new fit for purpose Sports House has been a long term vision for Sport Manawatu's board.

Central Energy Trust Arena manager John Lynch said this was an exciting step forward in enhancing the relationship with Sport Manawatu and the many sporting groups who frequent the facility.

"The vision of having Central Energy Trust Arena as the Sports Hub of Palmerston North is an important part of the city's direction and master plan for the venue."

The next step in the process will be the completion of a feasibility study, which will provide best practice examples of running a successful sports house and identify the needs of our regional sports.

The study will be completed by August.