2 July 2013

 

Dear members

Re Metro Sports Facility, Christchurch

At the end of last week some major decisions were announced by central and local government regarding key facilities within Christchurch.

These decisions have significant consequences for those of us involved with delivering sport opportunities in the indoor environment, with the confirmation that the development of the Metro Sports Facility will be led by the Crown with final approval for scope and design the responsibility of the Christchurch City Council.

As such, it is imperative that all members of our basketball community take every opportunity to present a united voice to Council with respect to the future needs of indoor sport and the importance of a well thought out, planned and designed Metro Sports facility.

Over coming weeks, Canterbury Basketball, Netball Mainland and Christchurch Netball Centre are endeavouring to complete a scope of work completed to place a true economic value on our activities, including the value associated with hosting National tournaments.  These figures will be shared with key decision makers within local government and our memberships to reinforce the importance of our respective sports to our economy and community.

It is the view of the three bodies that any facility development needs to be focused not just on the current needs of the sports but on future growth.  We have also agreed that a united approach to decision makers and “power brokers” is required to ensure that our voice is heard and to maximise the growth potential for basketball and netball in Christchurch.

Christchurch City was lacking a true Multi Sport/Multi Court indoor facility prior to the earthquakes and is one of the few cities left in New Zealand which does not have such a facility on its asset list.  The continued lack of facility is impacting on our ability to deliver core services, to host national level tournaments and deliver new initiatives and programmes.

It is now vital that YOU become the voice to promote the needs of our sports.  We are asking ask you, our members to start petitioning local councillors, articulating clearly what is required in the city.  As we head towards local body elections, the opportunity to influence the thinking of current and potential councillors cannot be underestimated. 

 

Our collective “message”

1.       A 12 court facility which includes a centre court option with seating for 3000+ people;
2.       A design that enables multiple activities to occur simultaneously i.e., high performance and community participation at the same time;
3.       A process that is inclusive of the key stakeholders to ensure that the function of the facility is preserved and not compromised e.g., flooring requirements, ceiling heights etc.
4.       Provision of sporting opportunities that enhance personal and community wellbeing.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly on 03 339 7919 or ceo@cantebrurybasketball.co.nz

 

Kind regards

 

 

Megan Harlick

General Manager