The future of Molyneux Park and its aging stadium is under the spotlight again, 15 years after a $13 million proposed sports hub failed to gain ratepayer support.

Built by Breen Construction back in 1975, Molyneux Stadium caters for a range of activities, and a recent study commissioned by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) showed that it was no longer accessible to all groups and clubs.

Group manager community experience David Scoones and parks officer Marie Gordon presented a study to the Vincent Community Board yesterday, from Global Leisure Group Ltd (Nelson) and Boffa Miskell called ‘Molyneux Park Supply and Demand Assessment Update.’

Sport Central confirmed in the report that the stadium needed updating, particularly increased seating and ablution areas, and that many clubs were missing out on its use.

Councillor Tracy Paterson said it would be useful to know who those groups were that couldn’t use the facility, in case there were other options available to them.

The stadium also had mixed ownership, such as the Alexandra Rugby Club with the clubrooms, the CODC and the changing rooms, as well as merino shears and gymsports with their own separate areas as well.

The report found the stadium was no longer fit for purpose and it wasn't meeting the needs of users, and the proposed Molyneux Stadium feasibility study would be an appropriate tool to look at options to address those issues.

Overall, the report found that while the population of Alexandra was increasing, sport participation had stayed the same, and although there was adequate provision of space with regard to sports fields, the quality of some assets was a concern.

Molyneux Park is under the spotlight. PHOTO: Supplied

No additional sports fields were required to be developed within the next three years, provided that Dunstan High School continued to support the community use of their facilities.

Funding was proposed in the draft Long Term Plan (2024-2034) to prepare a development plan and allow for other passive opportunities for Molyneux Park.

This work would be concluded in 2024 and also have relevance on the future of an artificial sports turf in Alexandra, as it was noted that some children were playing hockey in Cromwell as late as 9:30pm.