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Proposed new stadium for Dunedin - Source: ONE News -
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Dunedin's planned new covered stadium has cleared another major hurdle.
The government has agreed to underwrite the planned project, putting up $15 million to cover the shortfall in private sector funding.
Rugby World Cup Minister Gerry Brownlee's announcement of government backing came just in time for the Carisbrook Stadium Trust which needs to fill the shortfall.
The Otago Regional Council set last Monday as a deadline.
"I felt pretty positive that this would get through," says Stephen Cairns, Otago Regional Council chairman.
"The concern was, would it get through in time, and that's why
we had to draw a line in the sand. And I'm very pleased that we've
managed to achieve one."
The regional council will contribute $37 million towards the $200
million project.
Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin says he is delighted the government has seen the worth of the project.
He says it's definite the money is available but the basis upon which it may be given is a matter for discussion.
Otago Rugby Union CEO Richard Reid says the impact on rugby of a new stadium in Otago can't be underestimated.
He says the union is delighted with the government's backing.
Reid says the fillip that the Wellington Stadium has given Wellington Rugby is massive and the Otago union hopes it can achieve at least something touching on that.
He says the stadium project is also a fantastic boost for the economy in Otago because it will create a number of jobs.
What do you think of the new stadium project? Share your views on the messageboard below.
What do you think of the new stadium project? Share your
views on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentdeltic said on 2009-06-14 @ 15:49 NZDT: Report abusive post
And people say trainspotters are sad, here we have a cult that loves stadiums, great dreary columns of glass and steel. And to think of all the exciting, things you could do with $200plus mill, that would bring in more visitors to a heritage town, of which currrently numbers are dropping, nothing is being added, not now with this sucker forced on us. Mediocrity rules and costs dearly.
deltic said on 2009-05-05 @ 21:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
The $1.34 price is all spin, 200 million, add on 51 spent so far trying to con, plus just a few years ago millions spent on Carisbrook, 9 year old state of the art buildings to be bowled. Plus the purchase of Carisbrrok , add another 5 mill. Any worthy project gets refused for a drop in the bucket amount. Anyway, if every fringe cause like this wanted $1.34, we'd have a huge bite on our rates. It's a matter of principle.
deltic said on 2009-05-05 @ 21:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
So, suddenly, we are expecting, the likes of Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Cold Play are suddenly going to make for Dunedin? To fill the stadium, due to population, they'd have to by pass CHCh and try encourage all the punters to come down here. Even if we got one concert a year, its a laugh against the price. The concept of boarding a transportation device like a bus or aeroplane hasn't bothered me so far. the big act orgnaisers said no anyway, they know it wouldnt pay!
hallum11 said on 2009-05-02 @ 13:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
Max! Good work man! agree with every word of it! Forwarded to dad this morning, he likes your thinking! Reece
deltic said on 2009-04-29 @ 23:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Ps, it might just be a little fatuous that the 'silent majority' didnt get counted because they 'decided not' to sned back the survey. Such is the rhetoric of the pro-stadium cult. Get real!