Trust Tairāwhiti has approved up to $6.9 million to fund phase one of a multisport hub in Gisborne.
The Victoria Sports and Recreation Hub (VSRH), earlier estimated to cost up to $30 million for all phases, will combine
Trust Tairāwhiti approves $6.9m for Gisborne multisport facility
Gisborne Herald
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Victoria Domain will be home to the Victoria Sports and Recreation Hub, a multisport facility that has secured up to $6.9 million in funding from Trust Tairāwhiti. Photo / Ben Cowper
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A statement from Trust Tairāwhiti said this funding is the largest single investment it has made.
The previous largest investment was $5 million it put toward the new Gisborne airport terminal in 2020.
The commitment includes partial underwriting of the second phase to attract additional investors and further enhance the region’s sports facilities.
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Construction of phase one is set to begin in January 2025, with completion expected by May 2025. Future phases include new covered courts and broader facility enhancements.
Trust Tairāwhiti chief executive Doug Jones said in the statement the upgrades would have wide and long-term positive impacts for the region.
“The upgrades benefit multiple sports codes and enhance recreational opportunities now and for future generations. The project has been in the pipeline for a number of years, and we’re excited that the trust’s significant investment will make it a reality for Tairāwhiti,” Jones said.
Phase one will upgrade and repurpose the netball courts at Victoria Domain. This includes resurfacing nine asphalt netball courts, adding three multi-use rebound ace surfaces for netball, basketball, tennis, and pickleball, replacing the existing netball tower facility, and conducting a carbon footprint assessment of the resurfacing.
The project is part of the Tairāwhiti Community Facilities “Early Wins” initiative, which is addressing ageing infrastructure highlighted in the 2018 Regional Community Facilities Strategy.
Victoria Domain was prioritised due to its central location.
Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti chief executive Stefan Pishief said the new courts would benefit thousands in the community.
“We’re absolutely rapt that the redevelopment of the courts at Victoria Domain is finally happening after years of attempts and planning,” Pishief said.
“We commend the codes, clubs, schools and organisations involved for their perseverance and desire to work together for the greater good. We also need to acknowledge the critical role played by the Victoria Sport and Recreation Hub, Architects 44, the Gisborne District Council and, of course, Trust Tairāwhiti for their significant financial contribution and support that enabled this to happen.”
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project aims to support local talent, foster cross-code collaboration and strengthen community ties.
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Trust Tairāwhiti said the project aligned with its wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, and considers cultural and historical factors.
A cultural report highlights the site’s history as part of Tūranganui No 2 with connections to Ngāi Tawhiri hapu of Rongowhakaata and Te Whānau-a-Iwi hapu of Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki.
According to the trust, Victoria Domain is historically a vital community hub, hosting more than 1600 netball players annually.
“Tairāwhiti has a young and active population. This investment ensures we can meet the growing demand for sports like pickleball, basketball and netball while creating a space that brings our community together for generations to come,” Jones said.
Victoria Domain is held as a recreation reserve and administered by Gisborne District Council.
