The masterplan for the future development and expansion of Wanaka’s Recreation Centre (WRC) in Three Parks was revealed at the Community and Services Committee last week (July 16). 

The WRC’s expansion includes the extension of the artificial turf from the current half-size hockey pitch to a full-size pitch; the addition of three multi-use indoor courts; and a health and wellness centre together with a cafe.

The masterplan deliberately encourages and accommodates shared use of facilities by different users, such as the proposed shared clubrooms with changing facilities for local sports and recreation clubs.

The expansion plans are considered a long-term investment taking 10 years to achieve. Work could begin in the short-term (within one to three years), however, on the proposed café and wellbeing services building; additional aquatic storage facilities; construction of the shared clubrooms; roading/car park expansion; and development of the sports fields at the former oxidation ponds on Ballantyne Road. 

The total cost over 20 years is expected to be around $73M with the initial investment of $57M anticipated over the first 10 years. The current rec centre development, built four years ago including car park, sports fields and artificial turf, cost $13.9M.

Drawings indicate the location of proposed new facilities including a shared clubrooms and new multi-use indoor courts. PHOTO: Supplied

The WRC’s original multi-use indoor courts were designed to have additional courts connected at their eastern end but this masterplan has the three extra, multi-use courts in a separate building adjacent to the current building. 

This new indoor space would cater for squash and a performance movement centre (for disciplines such as gym sports, dance, tumbling and circus), as well as the current users, such as basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and tennis. 

An active area outside the new three court building is also proposed to include a half basketball court and activity on the walls such as bouldering. 

The plan suggests increasing the car parking by an additional 12 bays as well as the creation of a four bay bus pick up and drop off point.

It also indicates a green space between the end of the expanded car park and the New World supermarket which could be a potential site for a future library or community centre. It would be supported by a new road off Sir Tim Wallis Drive providing a second access to the rec centre’s car park and access to the football fields from the north. 

Sealed pedestrian/bike paths encouraging connections between Wanaka’s town centre, the WRC and future sports fields at the former oxidation ponds are also included.

The masterplan considers the WRC as central to Wanaka’s developing community and a place to frequent for multiple reasons, be they sport, recreation, social, educational, the council’s proposal said.

The first stage of the WRC was created with community input in 2011 and the construction of the two multi-use indoor courts, changing rooms, reception, and staff and public meeting rooms was completed in 2016. 

Three years ago the QLDC contracted Sport Otago to manage the development of a district-wide Sport & Recreation Facility Strategy to address the future strategic directions and community needs of local sport and recreation facilities. This strategy formed the basis for the development and implementation of the WRC masterplan. 

The proposed WRC masterplan will now go out for public consultation.