Domain decision brings east back into play

Eastern Community Sport and Recreation plans to help sporting codes bounce back in the city’s east after being granted a lease over sections of Rāwhiti Domain.

The Coastal-Burwood Community Board has approved a lease over 3881 square metres for 11 years – with two rights of renewal – to aid the development of an all-weather sports facility.

The decision follows a Hearings Panel recommendation.

Eastern Community Sport and Recreation wants to develop a multi-purpose “indoor” space in the domain.

The planned canopy for Rāwhiti Domain. Photo: Creative Intentions

It plans to upgrade four tennis courts and construct an open-sided canopy building with additional lighting over three of the courts to meet a variety of needs.

The community group also plans to upgrade the sand volleyball court and use the former tennis pavilion.

A lease has been granted over a smaller area for the installation of a radio-controlled car track.

Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says the lease agreement sets the scene for the creation of a multi-sport area that benefits the whole community.

“The Council-owned reserve is ideally placed to host multiple sporting codes and provide much needed opportunities for players of all ages,” Mr Rutledge says.

Eastern Community Sport and Recreation Chairperson Peter Burley says an effective working partnership between the Council and the organisation has certainly delivered the best outcome.

“We are really repurposing facilities for the wider benefit of the whole community, and we are doing so with the support of the Council and the local Community Board,” Mr Burley says.

“We have already commissioned the organisation of permits and are set to start work once final funding is available.

“The canopy comes in kitset form from Canada, so that can more easily be put in place than a traditional build.

“All going to plan, we hope to be ready for action in the first half of next year.”

Coastal-Burwood Community Board Chairperson Kim Money says the domain decision is another step in the regeneration and re-energisation of the east.

“By repurposing the facilities at Rāwhiti Domain, we have secured not only the best use of what is already in place, but also opened the door to more people being active in our community,” Ms Money says.

“It’s also an excellent launch pad for a new generation of young sports enthusiasts.”