Plans for a new multi-purpose sports turf in Alexandra are one step closer to becoming reality after 10 years in the making.

Molyneux Turf Inc president Chris Galbraith and Dunstan High School director of sport Sally Mullally both shared where the project was at with the Vincent Community Board last week.

Following a feasibility study, three options for the turf were mooted - the full sized one being around $2.5 million, and a half sized for $1.5 million.

Local businesses Fulton Hogan and Benchmark Construction had already offered their services either at a reduced rate or as a donation.

Retired farmer Ritchie Stephens had also offered to clear the site so the resurfacing could begin.

The group had signed a memorandum of understanding with Dunstan High School to use its tennis courts, and was looking for support from Council through the Long Term Plan.

The old tennis courts at Dunstan High School are showing plenty of wear and tear. PHOTO: THE CENTRAL APP

They were hoping for between $250,000 and $500,000 in funding from council, and then additionally about $15,000 a year for ongoing costs, Chris said.

The rest they would find through applying for funding from various organisations.

The nature of sport in Central Otago was changing with families wanting “more bang for their buck,” in terms of what they put their money into, Sally said.

Nowadays, kids are playing a wider variety of sports over a shorter period of time (six weeks rather than the entire winter season), such as six-a-side hockey and touch rugby.

“As a community we have to look at supporting a variety of different sports,” Sally said.

The high school’s tennis courts were fenced making it safe for special needs students, and could also be accessed from Molyneux Park, so there was no disruption to school, from noise and parking.

Ideally the turf would also be suitable for 3x3 basketball, as there was currently nowhere in Alexandra to play the sport outside, Sally said.

While also providing the district with an additional hockey turf, Cromwell would remain the “ultimate hub” for the sport. 

The group already has its plans endorsed by Hockey New Zealand.

They have also looked at staging the project if they have to, with lights added later as extra funding became available.

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