I have followed the debate over the merits of a boutique stadium at the Tauranga Domain for some months and have completed the Tauranga City Council survey. Correct me if others have proposed the following idea:
Demolish main grandstand. Retain athletic running track as is. Build two long rectangular shed-like structures on either side of the ground.
One ‘shed’ replaces the grandstand, the other ‘shed’ is by the fence facing Cameron Rd. These structures could be further enhanced with changing facilities, function rooms, offices etc.
Purchase off-the-shelf mobile indoor tiered stadium seating – twice the size of TECT Arena seating.
When there’s a rugby or football game place steel plates over the running track, roll the tiered seating over the running track and you have a ready-made ‘boutique stadium’ – with the best viewing position in NZ. When the game has finished, roll it back under cover.
In short, a 15,000 capacity stadium for a lot less than $220m. A bonus athletic running track at no extra cost. What about this TCC?
Steve Walker, Matua.

****TCC replies: Tauranga City Council thanks Rob and Steve for sharing their thoughts about the proposed community stadium; we’ve added these to the feedback recently received through a digital survey. It should be noted that this is a community-led project. If the potential costs and benefits of a stadium do ‘stack-up’, the Commission would look to undertake formal community consultation through the Council’s 2024-34 Long Term Plan process later this year and we would encourage everyone with an interest to participate
in that.