THAMES WARD SPORT AND
RECREATION FACILITIES REVIEW
AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Prepared for
Thames Coromandel District Council
December 2013
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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CONTENTS:
1
Review of Thames Ward Community Sport and Recreation .................................................... 6
1.1 Study Objectives and Key Areas of Work .................................................................................. 6
1.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.1
2
Base Information .................................................................................................................... 7
About Thames Town ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Introduction and Location ............................................................................................................ 8
2.1.1
2.1.2
Council Direction ................................................................................................................... 8
Population ............................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Key Strategic Directions and Community Initiatives .............................................................. 12
2.2.1
2.2.2
Thames Urban Development Strategy ............................................................................ 12
Hauraki Rail Trail ................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Schools ............................................................................................................................................ 13
2.3.1
2.3.2
3
Thames-Coromandel District Schools .............................................................................. 13
Hauraki District Schools ....................................................................................................... 14
Thames Sport Facility History ...................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Skate Park ....................................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Indoor Court Facilities................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 Replacement Grandstand at Rhodes Park ............................................................................. 16
3.4 Swimming Pool Facilities .............................................................................................................. 17
3.5 Impact of Mercury Bay Mutli-Sport Park Development ........................................................ 17
4
Sports Clubs .................................................................................................................................. 18
4.1 Club Profile ..................................................................................................................................... 18
4.1.1 Membership .......................................................................................................................... 18
4.1.2 Discussion .............................................................................................................................. 19
Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand (KRMA) ......................................................................... 19
TCA Your Gym ............................................................................................................................... 20
Thames Athletics ........................................................................................................................... 21
Thames Badminton ....................................................................................................................... 22
Thames Basketball ........................................................................................................................ 23
Thames Cricket Club .................................................................................................................... 24
Thames Football ............................................................................................................................ 25
Thames Gymnastics Club ............................................................................................................ 27
Thames Harrier Club Inc............................................................................................................... 28
Thames Netball Centre ................................................................................................................ 29
Thames Rugby & Sports Club ..................................................................................................... 31
Thames Amateur Swimming Club ............................................................................................. 33
Thames Bowling Club Inc ............................................................................................................ 33
Thames Mountain Biking Club .................................................................................................... 33
Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club .............................................................................................. 33
Thames Squash Club Inc ............................................................................................................. 34
Thames Tennis Club Inc ............................................................................................................... 34
Thames Jockey Club .................................................................................................................... 34
5
Thames Sports Facilities .............................................................................................................. 35
5.1 Taipari Park ..................................................................................................................................... 35
5.2 Centennial Pool............................................................................................................................. 36
5.3 Rhodes Park ................................................................................................................................... 41
5.4 Thames High School and Danby Field ...................................................................................... 45
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames High School ..................................................................................................................... 46
Danby Field .................................................................................................................................... 47
5.5 Porritt Park ....................................................................................................................................... 49
5.6 Thames War Memorial Civic Centre ......................................................................................... 51
5.7 Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp ......................................................................................... 53
5.8 Burke St Beach Front Reserve ..................................................................................................... 54
6
Leisure Directions ......................................................................................................................... 55
6.1 Leisure Trends ................................................................................................................................. 55
6.2 Key Guiding Principles.................................................................................................................. 55
6.3 Why An Overall Leisure Plan and Why Master Plan? ............................................................. 56
7
Sports Facility Directions ............................................................................................................. 57
7.1 Less Leisure Venues of Better Quality, which are Multi-Functional ...................................... 57
7.2 Current and Future Venue Directions By Sport ....................................................................... 58
7.3 Proposed Facility Development ................................................................................................. 59
8
Facility Development .................................................................................................................. 60
8.1 Skate Park ....................................................................................................................................... 60
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3
8.1.4
8.1.5
8.1.6
8.1.7
8.1.8
8.1.9
Need and Challenges ........................................................................................................ 60
Site Factors and Design ...................................................................................................... 60
Porritt Park Preferred Site .................................................................................................... 60
Youth Workshop Feedback ............................................................................................... 61
Current Site Plan and Cost Estimate ................................................................................ 61
Ownership, Management and Depreciation ................................................................ 61
Current Work Programme .................................................................................................. 62
Preliminary Planning Commentary by TCDC Senior Planner, Andrea Griffiths ........ 62
Recommendation ............................................................................................................... 63
8.2 Indoor Centre ................................................................................................................................ 64
8.2.1 Need ...................................................................................................................................... 64
8.2.2 Future Direction .................................................................................................................... 65
8.2.3 Operating Model ................................................................................................................. 67
Revenue ......................................................................................................................................... 67
Expenses ......................................................................................................................................... 67
8.2.4 Indoor Centre Development Cost Estimate ................................................................... 69
8.2.5 Treatment of Depreciation and Addressing Future Facility Replacement Costs ... 70
8.2.6 Lease, Ownership and Governance Model .................................................................. 70
Feedback from Ministry of Education ....................................................................................... 71
Charitable Trust Membership ...................................................................................................... 71
8.2.7 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 72
8.3 Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment ................................................................................ 73
8.3.1
8.3.2
8.3.3
8.3.4
8.3.5
8.3.6
Need ...................................................................................................................................... 73
Future Direction .................................................................................................................... 74
Clubrooms Development Cost Estimate ........................................................................ 74
Operation Sustainability and Depreciation ................................................................... 75
Ownership, Governance and Management ................................................................ 75
Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 75
8.4 Aquatic Centre ............................................................................................................................. 76
8.4.1 Aquatic And Leisure Facility Trends ................................................................................. 76
Leisure and Aquatic Trends that Impact on Leisure Facilities .............................................. 76
8.4.2 General Aquatic Facility Trends ....................................................................................... 78
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Potential Future Aquatic Facility Trends ................................................................................... 81
8.4.3 Site Discussion ....................................................................................................................... 83
Danby Field .................................................................................................................................... 83
Burke Street Reserve (& Private Land) ...................................................................................... 84
8.4.4 Future Direction .................................................................................................................... 85
8.4.5 Staged Aquatic Facility Cost Estimate ............................................................................ 86
Stage One ...................................................................................................................................... 86
Stage Two ....................................................................................................................................... 87
Stage Three .................................................................................................................................... 87
9
Capital Funding ........................................................................................................................... 88
9.1 Capital Funding Profile ................................................................................................................ 88
9.2 Project Structure and Funding Leadership .............................................................................. 88
10 Summary Recommendations .................................................................................................... 90
11 Appendix ...................................................................................................................................... 92
11.1 Coromandel Peninsula Events Calendar ................................................................................. 92
11.2 Information Review ....................................................................................................................... 94
11.3 Stakeholder Engagement ........................................................................................................... 96
11.4 Restrictions ...................................................................................................................................... 97
FIGURES:
Figure 1: Total Estimated Population by Age Group (Te Puru-Thornton Bay, Moanataiari &
Parawai) ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2: Total Population of the Thames Coromandel District 26 December 2009-04 January
2010 ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 3: Population - Comparison of Peak Population to Usually Resident Population by
Surveyed Settlement ............................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4: Skate Park at Taipari Park ....................................................................................................... 15
Figure 5: Thames High School Proposed Indoor Court Development (SGL & BGBB Team
Architects, 2009) ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 6: Rhodes Park - Grandstand Replacement, Concept Drawings (Thames Rugby &
Sports Club, 2010) ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 7: Thames Junior Football Lease Area – Rhodes Park ........................................................... 25
Figure 8: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Area – Rhodes Park ............... 26
Figure 9: Thames Netball Centre Lease Area - Rhodes Park ........................................................... 29
Figure 10: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Area - Rhodes Park ............................................... 32
Figure 11: Taipari Park – Aerial View, With Centennial Pool And Skate Park ................................ 35
Figure 12: Centennial Pool - Summer View (Top) Winter View (Bottom) ....................................... 36
Figure 13: Rhodes Park – Aerial View .................................................................................................... 41
Figure 14: Thames High School and Danby Field – Aerial View ...................................................... 45
Figure 13: Porritt Park - Aerial View ........................................................................................................ 49
Figure 16: Thames War Memorial Civic Centre – Aerial View .......................................................... 51
Figure 17: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp – Aerial View ......................................................... 53
Figure 18: Burke St Beach Front Reserve – Aerial View ................................................................... 54
Figure 19: Successful Facilities Model ................................................................................................... 78
Figure 20: Main Aquatic User Market ................................................................................................... 79
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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TABLES:
Table 1: Estimated Resident Population by Broad Age Group ......................................................... 9
Table 2: Estimated Resident Population by Community Board Area .............................................. 9
Table 3: Population Count by Area ...................................................................................................... 10
Table 4: Schools Zoned For Thames High School ............................................................................... 13
Table 5: Thames-Coromandel District - Other Schools...................................................................... 13
Table 6: Hauraki District - Other Schools .............................................................................................. 14
Table 7: Thames Sports Club Membership (2013) .............................................................................. 18
Table 8: Jellicoe Crescent TCA Your Gym Hours ................................................................................ 20
Table 9: Thames Badminton Membership and Subscription ........................................................... 22
Table 10: Thames Junior Football Membership and Subscription ................................................... 25
Table 11: Thames Junior Football Lease Summary ............................................................................ 25
Table 12: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Summary ................................. 26
Table 13: Thames Netball Centre Lease Summary ............................................................................ 30
Table 14: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Teams ................................................................................... 31
Table 15: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Summary .................................................................. 32
Table 16: Centennial Pool Aquatic Programme Schedule .............................................................. 38
Table 17: Non-Fee Paying Utilisation of Centennial Pool .................................................................. 39
Table 18: Centennial Pool Revenue And Utilisation By Month ........................................................ 39
Table 19: Centennial Pool Revepage
nue And Utilisation By Type .................................................................................................................... 39
Table 20: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Month by Weekday ...................... 43
Table 21: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Type by Weekday .......................... 43
Table 22: Rhodes Park Football and Rugby Fixtures by Grade (2013) ........................................... 44
Table 23: Rhodes Park Football and Rugby Fixtures by Date (2013) .............................................. 44
Table 24: Thames High School – Sports Team Membership (2013) ................................................. 46
Table 25: Thames High School Gymnasium Afterhours Utilisation, Court Hours ........................... 47
Table 26: Thames High School Football Fixtures by Venue (2013) .................................................. 48
Table 27: Civic Centre - Total Hours – By Facility and Classification ............................................... 52
Table 28: Civic Centre Auditorium – Total Hours ................................................................................ 52
Table 29: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp, Thames Valley Netball Fixtures By Date .......... 53
Table 30: Current and Future Venue Directions by Sport ................................................................. 58
Table 31: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward ............................................... 59
Table 32: Projected Sports Hall Utilisation and Revenue .................................................................. 66
Table 33: Projected Financial Performance for Future 2 Indoor Court Gymnasium Based At
Thames High School ................................................................................................................................. 67
Table 34: Indoor Centre Operating Model ........................................................................................ 68
Table 35: Draft Capital Funding Profile for Proposed Facility Development for Thames Ward 88
Table 36: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward ............................................... 90
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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1 REVIEW OF THAMES WARD COMMUNITY SPORT AND
RECREATION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES AND KEY AREAS OF WORK
Leisure Planners SGL Group and BGBB Team Architects undertook this Review from May to
June 2013
The Review involved the following areas of work:
1. Strategic review and demand analysis for sport and recreation activities and facilities
in the Thames Ward area.
2. Specific consideration of the need, location, master planning and capital cost
estimates for an indoor court facility development, grandstand and clubrooms
redevelopment at Rhodes Park, provision of a Skate Park, and future aquatic facility
requirements.
3. Consideration of the funding opportunities, achievability, timing and implications of
the proposed development programme. Also to consider top-line operating
implications.
4. Based on the need, achievability and sustainability findings of the above work
complete more detailed planning for the facility developments likely to proceed in
the next five year period. In particular:
Prepare preliminary concept designs for the indoor court facility and the
Rhodes Park clubrooms redevelopment.
Develop a zero-based detailed utilisation profile and corresponding operating
model for the proposed indoor court facility.
Progress specific planning for the Skate Park, including overseeing legal title
search, land survey, geotechnical, iwi liaison and planning implications work
for the preferred site, and once site suitability clarified, commissioning a
preliminary Skate Park design.
5. Also consideration of the structural implications (ownership, access agreements,
governance and management) for the priority facility developments.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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1.2 METHODOLOGY
1. Conducted 25 stakeholder interviews, supported by Marlene Perry and Justine
Baverstock (see Appendix 11.3 Stakeholder Engagement)
2. Comprehensive information search and review of all relevant reports (see Appendix
11.2 Information Review).
3. At an early stage of the Study undertook a preliminary workshop with the Thames
Community Board to provide an overview of the key strategic issues.
4. Based on key information findings and site understanding, prepared master plan
options for principal facilities. For the Aquatic Centre, considered two different layout
options at each of Danby Field and Burke St Reserve.
5. Conducted an internal workshop to further cross-check the profile of all sports and
facilities, and to discuss, further develop and test the validity of proposed key
directions.
6. As the Study progressed, it became evident that a cost-effective solution for the club
redevelopment at Rhodes Park was needed, and with an understanding of future
need and consideration of the existing park layout and facilities, developed a new
preliminary concept design.
7. During the course of the Study, it also became evident it was important to achieve a
real ‘road map’ to enable the completion of a Skate Park, indoor court development
and Rhodes Park development during the next five years – that all three are
important to meet community need, for community confidence (after protracted
attempts over an extended period of time to try to make these initiatives a reality)
and for collective community buy-in. Hence, the emphasis was placed on real
solutions for these three facility developments.
8. For the aquatic facility development, it was evident from the outset, to achieve an
indoor community Aquatic Centre would require a District-wide and indeed Sub
regional buy-in and funding, both capital and operating. Therefore, the consultant
team proposed a phased development solution, which in the first instance could see
a replacement of the current level of service and secondly would enable
development of a District-wide Aquatic Centre on this same final site. There are also
further site related issues to be resolved, before any final site can be determined.
Consequently, no attempt was made to develop operating implications at this time.
1.2.1 BASE INFORMATION
In the preparation of this Report, SGL reviewed a large amount of information. This Report
doesn’t unnecessarily repeat previously documented information. In particular, SGL refers
the reader to two principal information sources, which is largely not repeated here:
Coromandel Peninsula, District Profile: People, Housing and Projections. TCDC Policy
and Planning Group (2008).
Thames Community Leisure Centre: Concept Design Options, Build Option, Financial
Feasibility and Capital Funding strategies for a One Court Indoor Facility. SGL (2009).
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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2 ABOUT THAMES TOWN
2.1 INTRODUCTION AND LOCATION
Thames is situated on the south-east coast of the Firth of Thames on the banks of the
Kauaeranga River and north of the mouth of the Waihou River (named ‘Thames’ by Captain
Cook). Most of the town occupies land at the western base of the Coromandel Range.1
Thames is easily accessed by road and is a short commute from Auckland and Hamilton
(each approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive) and 1 hour 40 minutes from Tauranga.
Thames is the ‘capital’ of Coromandel District and it is regularly thought of as the ‘gateway’
to the Coromandel Peninsula; it also is a visitor destination in its own right. Thames has a rich
early New Zealand history including gold mining and timber milling, Thames was visited by
Captain James Cook and the HMS Endeavour in 1769.
The Thames population has doubled in the 50 years between the 1961 census (n=5314) and
the estimated population in 2012 (n=10,500).
2.1.1 COUNCIL DIRECTION
The 2012-2022 Thames Coromandel District Council mission is to “Deliver quality affordable
services to ratepayers, residents and visitors to Coromandel” and is committed to achieving
the following outcomes - A Prosperous District; A Liveable District; and A Clean and Green
District.
Furthermore, the “Choosing Futures Thames-Coromandel Strategy” sees communities aspire
to the following five goals: respect and enhance the natural environment; value and
preserve the rich history of the District; and value the uniqueness of the Peninsula lifestyle;
that local economies reflect the spirit of the Peninsula and that needs are met through sound
planning ahead of growth and development and finally, the ultimate direction is that
communities are healthy, cohesive, caring and supportive.
The Thames Coromandel District Council is committed to “Getting Closer to the Community”
and in April 2012 adopted 21 recommendations regarding responsibilities to devolve to the
District’s five Local Boards (Thames, Coromandel Colville, Mercury Bay, Tairua-Pauanui and
Whangamata). This includes making governance decisions relating to the following activities
and sub-activities:
Harbour Facilities
Parks and Reserves
Halls
Libraries
Airfields
Swimming Pools
Public Conveniences
Cemeteries
Local Transportation
Local Strategic Planning
Community Grants
Local Economic Development
Local Bylaw Levels of Service
1
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/thames
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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The challenges faced by the Council are the rugged, beautiful and varied geography of the
Peninsula creating pocket communities spread across District’s 258,000 hectares – the usual
resident population is 27,000 and non-resident rate payers account for 55% of housing
ownership, also the Peninsula faces extreme population variation at different times of the
year.
2.1.2 POPULATION
Thames-Coromandel District population is stable with slight increases in estimated overall
population and median age between 1996 and 2006. Over a similar period same period
the total school roll decreased by 12% (Table 4).
The District has a high nonresident home ownership. 38% of the resident population lives in
Thames Community Board area (Table 2).
The population peaks in the 5 days either side of New Years Eve, swelling from 27,000 to
120,000-140,000. Thames population increases by approximately 20% over the New Year
Period (Figure 2).
Table 1: Estimated Resident Population by Broad Age Group
ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION BY BROAD AGE GROUP
Numbers
Percent %
At 30 June
2006
2011
2012
0–14
15–39
40–64
65+
Total
0–14
15–39
40–64
65+
4,600
4,400
4,300
6,400
6,200
6,100
10,000
10,200
10,000
5,700
6,300
6,600
26,700
27,000
27,000
17.4
16.2
16.0
23.9
22.8
22.5
37.5
37.8
37.0
21.2
23.3
24.4
Median
age
(years)
46.3
48.5
49.1
Table 2: Estimated Resident Population by Community Board Area 2
ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION BY COMMUNITY BOARD
Community Board
At 30 June 2012
Coromandel-Colville Community
2,850
Mercury Bay Community
7,530
Thames Community
10,250
Tairua-Pauanui Community
2,300
Whangamata Community
4,050
26,980
2
Statistics NZ - Subnational population estimates at 30 June 2012: local government areas
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Table 3: Population Count by Area
POPULATION COUNT BY AREA (1996, 2001, 2006)
Census Year
Description
1996
2001
Whitianga
2,994
3,078
Coromandel
1,470
1,437
Te Rerenga
3,525
3,786
Whangamata
3,765
3,963
Tairua
1,440
1,461
Moanataiari
2,532
2,505
Parawai
4,281
4,200
Pauanui Beach
645
702
Hikuai
3,129
3,078
Te Puru-Thornton Bay
1,014
951
Inlets-Thames-Coromandel District
18
3
Islands-Thames-Coromandel District
6
6
TOTAL
24,819
25,170
2006
3,768
1,476
4,170
3,555
1,269
2,472
4,284
741
3,252
942
3
12
3
25,944
1750
Number of people
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
0-14
15-29
30-44
45-59
60-74
75-100+
1996
1625
1415
1595
1385
1275
710
2001
1565
1150
1500
1510
1340
800
2011
1410
1065
1310
1660
1465
975
Figure 1: Total Estimated Population by Age Group (Te Puru-Thornton Bay,
Moanataiari & Parawai)
3 The
is a 3% difference in 2006 estimated population and census population
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Peak Population4
Figure 2: Total Population of the Thames Coromandel District 26 December 2009 -04
January 2010
Figure 3: Population - Comparison of Peak Population to Usually Resident Population
by Surveyed Settlement
4 TCDC: Coromandel Peninsula Peak Population Study 2009/2010, Policy Planning Group (pages 3 and 4)
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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2.2 KEY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
2.2.1 THAMES URBAN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The Thames Community Board has promoted the establishment of an Urban Development
Strategy for Thames that enhances and protects the town's unique features and reflects the
aspirations of the community - both economic and social.
The focus areas for redevelopment within the Thames urban footprint includes:
The development of four Precincts.
The development of Grahamstown into a visitor destination and leisure hub.
The redevelopment of the Civic Centre area into a regional cultural and commercial
hub.
New central housing development offerings promoting new compact urban living
opportunities.
Recreational initiatives including development of safer, user friendly pedestrian and
cycling pathways around the town.
Proposed Precincts
Precinct 1 – Northern Gateway: Junction of Queen and Pollen Street, develop entry
gate into the town centre, enhance cultural landscape).
Precinct 2 – Grahamstown Heritage Hub: Develop cohesive heritage and information
destination.
Precinct 3 – Regional Cultural and Commercial Hub: Amalgamation of the Civic
Centre and WINTEC sites. Redevelop existing buildings to create a Regional Service
Centre/Business Hub/Knowledge Centre.
Precinct 4 – Southern Gateway: Western side of Queen Street/State Highway 25,
develop as the recreation hub for Thames, linking with the water and coastal
walkway.
2.2.2 HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL
The 82km trail runs from Waihi to Thames via the Karangahake Gorge, Paeroa and Te Aroha.
It incorporates a 1.1km tunnel and follows the path of two historic railway lines (Thames to
Paeroa and Waikino to Te Aroha). A new path will link Waikino to Waihi (expected
completion late 2013).
The Trail officially terminates at the Wharf at the corner of Jellicoe Crescent and Queen St.
A pathway continues another 3km (return), from the Wharf along Queen Street and beside
Danby Field up to Kerenui Bay.
The Hauraki Rail Trail forms an important part of the proposed Precinct 4 Southern Gateway
and towards the development of a safer user pedestrian and cycle friendly town.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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2.3 SCHOOLS
2.3.1 THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT SCHOOLS5
Table 4: Schools Zoned For Thames High School
SCHOOLS ZONED FOR THAMES HIGH SCHOOL
Area
2004
2009
Thames
Matatoki School
65
58
Moanataiari School
147
84
Parawai School
347
341
Puriri School
35
22
St Francis School (Thames)
91
96
Tapu School
18
37
Te Puru School
201
155
6
Thames High School
654
626
Thames South School
214
188
1772
1607
Tairua-Pauanui
Hikuai School
103
85
Tairua School
99
90
202
175
TOTAL
1974
1782
Table 5: Thames-Coromandel District - Other Schools
THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT - OTHER SCHOOLS
Area
2004
2009
Coromandel
Colville School
42
31
Coromandel Area School
344
289
Manaia School (Thames)
32
72
Te Rerenga School
67
68
TKKM o Harataunga
17
18
502
478
Mercury Bay
Coroglen School
42
38
Mercury Bay Area School
666
759
Whenuakite School
135
130
843
927
Whangamata
Opoutere School
87
85
Whangamata Area School
525
421
612
506
2012
Decile
38
141
274
26
101
13
175
591
206
1565
7
5
6
7
7
4
6
6
3
77
101
178
1743
9
7
2012
Decile
30
205
90
58
16
399
4
3
2
5
2
35
815
132
982
6
6
8
134
379
513
4
4
5
Data set: Student Numbers by Age 2004-2012 [MS Excel 6.5MB] from http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/
6
Thames High School 2013 roll is 605 including 25 international students
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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2.3.2 HAURAKI DISTRICT SCHOOLS
Table 6: Hauraki District - Other Schools
HAURAKI DISTRICT SCHOOLS
Area
2004
Hauraki
Paeroa College
283
St Joseph's Catholic School (Paeroa)
74
Tirohia School
97
454
Hauraki Plains
Kopuarahi School
46
Turua Primary School
189
Waitakaruru School
85
320
Ngatea
Hauraki Plains College
623
Ngatea School
268
891
Paeroa
Goldfields School (Paeroa)
36
Hikutaia School
82
Karangahake School
55
Kerepehi School
86
Miller Avenue School
156
Netherton School
48
Paeroa Central School
162
Paeroa Christian School
58
683
Waihi
St Joseph's Catholic School (Waihi)
56
Waihi Beach School
255
Waihi Central School
169
Waihi College
869
Waihi East School
193
Waihi School
78
Waikino School
69
Waimata School
67
1756
2009
2012
Decile
295
48
97
440
310
50
51
411
2
4
3
30
119
59
208
33
88
59
180
7
7
5
625
298
923
682
301
983
6
6
46
102
52
72
137
77
108
58
652
51
76
53
52
150
118
96
46
642
3
4
2
1
2
4
1
3
51
255
219
782
137
107
95
37
1683
81
241
165
692
148
95
45
45
1512
3
6
2
3
3
3
3
4
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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3 THAMES SPORT FACILITY HISTORY
From our interviews there was repeated comment that facility developments have been
proposed in the past and gone nowhere. There was a high level of community scepticism
and fatigue, that this was yet another planning exercise.
3.1 SKATE PARK
Thames youth have tried for over 10 years to develop a new Skate Park. They have
presented to Council, made submissions and raised funds. About 10 years ago a motivated
group was successful in gaining COGS funding of $75,000 with a matching contribution from
Council, however as a new site had not been determined for a new Skate Park the funding
was returned.
The existing Skate Park is located at Taipari Park, which is an historic urupa and wahi tapu7
site. Working with Ngati Maru, Council has the eventual goal to remove these facilities.
TCDC funding of $80,500 is currently assigned in the TCDC 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan for a
Thames Skate Park for the period 2013-2014.
Figure 4: Skate Park at Taipari Park
3.2 INDOOR COURT FACILITIES
Thames has three indoor court facilities, each with a single indoor court and each having a
variety of limitations.
Thames High School gymnasium is available for community use outside of school hours and is
a popular choice for sports clubs. The court has limited run-off and often inadequate
lighting.
Thames War Memorial Civic Centre has an undersized indoor court with limited run-off and
ceiling height, often with inadequate lighting. The Civic Centre auditorium has a
performance stage (with limited back-of-house facilities). Whilst used for sport, the primary
purpose of this auditorium is for arts and cultural events and activities.
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp has a full size indoor court with limited run-off.
Economically built, the sports hall has supporting amenities and a viewing mezzanine.
Located 6km from Thames town centre the sports hall priority and primary purpose is camp
users.
For over 10 years Zoom Zone, a community interest group and charitable trust based in
Thames, has been promoting the development of a community indoor court facility. SGL’s
7 Wahi
tapu is defined as “being land of special spiritual, cultural, or historical tribal significance" (from 27D
Resumption of Wahi Tapu: State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 )
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Report in 2009 endorsed this direction (Figure 5). TCDC funding of $4 million is currently
assigned in the TCDC 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan for Thames community sports facilities for the
period 2013-2018.
Figure 5: Thames High School Proposed Indoor Court Development
(SGL & BGBB Team Architects, 2009)
3.3 REPLACEMENT GRANDSTAND AT RHODES PARK
The current 200 seat covered grandstand is about 70 years old and there are real structural
integrity and safety questions. Thames Rugby & Sports Club prepared a new grandstand
and clubrooms concept plans (Figure 6). From SGL’s preliminary review this facility concept
has an indicative cost of $6.5 million.
From interviews with some Council and Thames Rugby & Sports Club representatives, there
was a clear expectation that up to 50% of the $4 million 10 Year Plan funding could be
allocated towards this facility development.
Figure 6: Rhodes Park - Grandstand Replacement, Concept Drawings
(Thames Rugby & Sports Club, 2010)
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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3.4 SWIMMING POOL FACILITIES
Thames has two principal outdoor pool facilities, one based at Thames High School and the
Council-owned Centennial Pool at Taipari Park. Some primary schools also have small
outdoor pools.
Thames High School has a 30m x 5 lane pool, deep at one end, built pre 1960s.
Centennial Pool has a 25m x 15m, 7 lane pool, with an inflatable dome cover for winter, has
a summer-only paddling pool, clubrooms, changing amenities and elevated terraced
seating. The complex opened in 1976. The pool is efficiently heated by a wood chip boiler.
Centennial Pool is located at Taipari Park, which is an historic urupa and wahi tapu site.
Working with Ngati Maru, Council has the eventual goal to remove these facilities and to
create an open space area.
TCDC funding of $5 million is currently assigned in the TCDC 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan for
Thames Swimming Pool development in 2021.
3.5 IMPACT OF MERCURY BAY MUTLI-SPORT PARK DEVELOPMENT
In 2013 phase one of the Mercury Bay Mutli-Sport Park in Whitianga opened 3 asphalt Tennis
courts, 5 asphalt Netball courts and 5 grass playing fields and change facilities. Phase two of
the Whitianga development features clubrooms, grandstand seating and indoor courts.
The considerable cost overrun of this project has had a major District wide impact, i.e. it has
brought into sharp focus the need to ensure any facility development is needed and an
affordable solution.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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4 SPORTS CLUBS
4.1 CLUB PROFILE
4.1.1 MEMBERSHIP
Table 7: Thames Sports Club Membership (2013)
THAMES SPORTS CLUBS MEMBERSHIP 2013
Organisation Name
Members
Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand
TCA Gym
Thames Amateur Swimming Club
Thames Athletics
Thames Badminton
Thames Basketball
108
320
100
158
127
90
Thames Bowling Club Inc
8
Thames Cricket Club
Thames Gymnastics Club
Thames Harrier Club Inc
Thames High School
Thames Junior Football Inc
165
11
60
27
331
107
Thames Mountain Biking Club
9
Thames Netball Association
10
Thames Rugby & Sports Club
Thames Squash Rackets Club Inc
Thames Tennis Club Inc
Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club
30
415
320
135
187
11
85
12
Touch Module
Subtotal
Minus double count (THS Netball n=89, THS
Rugby n= 90, TR&SC Netball n=40)
160
2936
-219
TOTAL
2717
Thames Cricket: Senior struggles to field a full team it is currently in recession, there is no secondary or junior cricket
Thames Netball: All Peninsula teams in Thames league (playing Wednesday or Saturday)
10 Thames Rugby & Sports Club: Includes junior, secondary and senior rugby and netball
11 Median between 70 to 100 membership, see Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club discussion
12 Touch module is run by the Thames Rugby & Sports Club
8
9
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4.1.2 DISCUSSION
Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand (KRMA)
Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts is a private business, operating from Thames for 20+ years.
Thames is the international home of Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts. There are 15 Kiaido Ryu schools in
New Zealand, one in Australia and one in the United Kingdom. The Kiaido Ryu syllabus is
developed by Lance Strong, based on Okinawa style karate and incorporating other
movement styles including Brazilian Boxing and Jujitsu.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
The Thames dojo has 108 members of all ages and levels (16 Masters, 20 Senior, 25
Secondary, 47 Primary). Members train together between 5:30pm - 8:30pm on Tuesday and
Thursday nights during term time at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre (256 hours per
year). Typically 40-60 members will attend usual training with this number increasing as
grading approaches.
Grading events occur in Thames twice a year; these may have 150+ athletes attending (plus
supporters). These events are usually mid-year and end-of-year. The Civic Centre and
Thames High School gym are hired for the grading weekends.
Two to three times per year, Kiaido Ryu holds residential training camps for 90-120 practioners
at the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp.
Current Facilities
Kiaido Ryu has been based at the Civic Centre for some years.
Mats, pads, fighting sticks and staffs used for training are kept in the storage area at
the Civic Centre auditorium.
As all ages and levels train together, a lot of space is required – when able, the group
will splinter and use the auditorium floor and stage, the foyer and function room.
The city centre location is convenient for families and parking is easy in the
surrounding streets and at the Goldfield’s car park.
Periodically Kiaido Ryu training nights are interrupted by event bookings at the Civic
Centre, the gymnasium at Thames High School is the preferred alternate location,
and if unavailable the Club will try for Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp.
Commentary on Future Direction
Lance and Ava Strong considered the option of a purpose-built dojo but thought the
idea impractical due to cost continuing with using a Council-owned facility made
better business sense.
Growth for Kiaido Ryu in Thames is hampered by training venue availability and
booking reliability (there are enough coaches to accommodate increased numbers).
Ideally any future venue should have mats in situ and viewing/spectator or exhibition
space (important for grading) and could be shared with Gymnastics.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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TCA Your Gym
TCA Your Gym is a private business operating from Jellicoe Crescent and Rhodes Park
Before buying the existing gym business at Jellicoe Rd in 2010, TCA ran popular low-cost
Group Fitness classes at the Thames Civic Centre and at the St Georges Hall.
TCA Your Gym is the only gym in Thames.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Membership has been fairly static, ranging from 320 to 350 members. The full membership
fee is $770/annum13, this includes gym use and all fitness classes, TCA also offer a variety of
incentive memberships (e.g. discount for gold card, off-peak membership etc) as well as
casual facility use and concession cards for Group Fitness classes.
Both TCA venues are leased from the Thames Rugby & Sports Club. Group fitness classes are
offered at Rhodes Park and weights and cardio equipment at Jellicoe Crescent. Opening
hours are shown in Table 8.
Table 8: Jellicoe Crescent TCA Your Gym Hours
JELLICOE CRESCENT TCA YOUR GYM HOURS
Mon-Fri
Sat
Sun
Hours
5:45 am - 8:00pm
8:00 am – Noon
8:00 am - Noon
4:00 pm - 6:00pm
TCA offer 11 types of Group Fitness styles with 23 classes per week. ‘TCA aerobics’ sessions
attract 40-50 participants 3 x per week and 10-20 participants to other 20 weekly sessions
(approximately 350-400 visits/week).
Staffing: TCA employ 2 full time gym staff, 2 part-time gym staff, 4 group fitness instructors
(per session basis) and both Directors work either at the gym and/or teach group fitness.
Current Facilities
Arna Rohrlack (Director) commented that their current facilities are sufficient but not
ideal, “it’s what we’re used to”.
The Rhodes Park facility can feel tight (40+ participants) and the Jellicoe Crescent
equipment is well maintained though old (10+ years).
Commentary on Future Direction
There are no immediate plans to move from or alter the facilities. Management will
be focusing on increasing revenue and membership numbers (aiming for 400).
TCA management is supportive of the original Thames Rugby & Sport Club
development proposal at Rhodes Park with fitness centre, sports hall and clubrooms.
TCA would like to be involved in the development of fitness facilities in Thames. With
the small population, believe that a single high specification, well run facility would
be of most benefit for the town.
13
GST inclusive
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames Athletics
Thames Athletics is a juniors-only club, from preschool up to 12 years, currently noncompetitive, with the primary focus being on movement and skill development i.e. run-jumpthrow. The season runs from late October to late March.
Recommencing in 2011 after some years in recession, the new Thames Athletics is an informal
sports group.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Athletics has a variable membership with significant changes across the season. The
Christmas break caused attrition in member numbers - with 150+ participants pre break (U5
years = 53, U12 years = 105), and less than 75 returning post break.
Subscription fee to Thames Athletics is $20/family14. Should the club affiliate to the national
body an affiliation fee of $25/child* would be payable to Athletics NZ. There is a reluctance
to increase the Thames Athletics fee as it is felt that this would be difficult for families to pay.
Without affiliation to Athletic NZ, children are unable to participate in interclub competition.
Current Facilities
Thames Athletics operates from Thames High School on Wednesday from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
Thames High School permits Athletics to use their grass track on a no-fee basis.
The school marks the track and maintains the track.
Athletics gear is stored on-site; recently this equipment has been made available for
school use.
No provision of shelter or seating and the distance from the track to the toilet can be
an issue for younger children.
Commentary on Future Direction
The club is doing well as an U5 activity, to become more than this, development is required in
the following areas:
There is need to upskill parents as coaches.
The club is working on putting more structure into club night (stretching, short races,
400m run and parachute fun).
Formalise its structure either through incorporation or by joining with an incorporated
similar sports group (e.g. Thames Harriers) – this also requires a committed committee.
Additional equipment needed – hurdles, starting blocks, balls and elastics.
Happy to remain at Thames High School in the foreseeable future, though would
entertain Rhodes Park as a venue as it could provide clubrooms and amenities (at a
cost).
* 14 GST inclusive
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Thames Badminton
Thames Badminton is comprised of four player groups: primary school, secondary school,
midweek and seniors. The Badminton season runs from late April to October.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Primary school, secondary school and seniors play at Thames High School on Monday from
3:30pm – 9:00pm in two hours blocks, and Midweek play at the Thames Civic Centre on
Wednesday 9:30am – 11:30am. Membership and subscription fees are outlined in Table 9.
Thames Valley Association pays $300 affiliation to NZ Badminton on behalf of Thames players
permitting them to enter interclub competition, individuals self-pay tournament entry fees.
Table 9: Thames Badminton Membership and Subscription
THAMES BADMINTON MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION (GST inclusive)
Primary
Secondary
Senior
Midweek
Members
24
53
40
10
15
Subscription $
85
30
60
60
Total
127
Current Facilities
Civic Centre
Lighting needs improvement for Badminton.
Floor much better than in the past (cleaner, less likely to skid).
Limited run off space at Civic Centre.
Is thought as expensive to hire.
Thames High School
No day time play available at Thames High School.
Sun strike - without curtains sun is blinding for players.
Floor is often dirty/dusty and prone to skidding.
Badminton is often bumped due to other school bookings.
Interclub - difficult when 2 courts are in play for senior non-interclub play and 2 courts
for interclub, makes for a very long night (sometimes finishing at 10:30pm), this is
particularly difficult when players have to travel.
School doesn’t replace lights often enough.
Free venue hire for primary and secondary, charge for seniors only.
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp
The distance out of town is a deterrent for many school children, and seniors do not
wish to travel the rural road at night, hence it is not used by Badminton groups.
Commentary on Future Direction
There are no plans to change the structure of Badminton in Thames, however if
another night was available at Thames High School, Badminton would consider
expanding club nights.
Junior club is reliant on one volunteer though others are willing to assist.
Cross over between secondary and senior players would strengthen the game.
Ideally, a new court would be co-located, thereby potentially having 8 badminton
courts in the same place.
15
GST inclusive
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames Basketball
Basketball in Thames is informal.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
A senior group meets on Sundays to play and there are up to 8 teams (40 players); this group
is not affiliated to the Thames Valley Basketball Association. Subscription covers hall hire,
each team pays $160 for the 10 week season. This group has grown by word of mouth.
Thames High School has two teams with regular training occurring after school.
Approximately 40-50 children meet on Fridays to play Basketball and learn skills. It was
reported that 100+ children wanted to join, however numbers are restricted due to facility
size and availability.
Affiliation to Thames Valley Basketball $50/player16 (senior).
Current Facilities
Thames High School:
The school gymnasium is the preferred venue for Basketball in Thames.
The hoops are owned by the former Thames Basketball Association.
Sun strike can be an issue (no curtains).
Could be improved with half court setup/markings.
Thames Civic Centre:
Does not have Basketball hoops
Runoff is too short and no room for spectators and supporters.
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp:
The distance out-of-town is prohibitive for many of the school children, and seniors do
not wish to travel the rural road at night, hence it is not used by the Basketball groups
Commentary on Future Direction
The Sunday group is interested in resurrecting an organised formalized Basketball
league (this ceased 10 years ago)
Two courts co-located would be ideal to run coaching and skills sessions along with
games.
If Thames High School was available two nights per week for 3 hours each, the sport
could grow (if there are enough committed people).
16
GST inclusive
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Thames Cricket Club
Cricket is in recession.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Player numbers have dwindled over recent years and fielding a complete team has
become increasingly difficult.
Interest in Cricket is greater when it is supported in the school (i.e. a motivated/enthusiastic
teacher).
Current Facilities
Rhodes Park has two wickets; it is the home Thames Cricket.
Previously Cricket paid $50017/annum to the Thames Rugby & Sports Club to use a
room in the Grandstand for clubrooms and storage.
Thames Cricket Club along with Thames Soccer Club held a 21 year lease with TCDC
for use of fields at Rhodes Park; this lease may have lapsed as both the Cricket and
Soccer Clubs are in recession.
See page 26 for lease information.
Commentary on Future Direction
The old format of 2-6 hour games on a Saturday/Sunday is no longer attractive; it is
burdensome and difficult to fit into family life.
Mid week, after work, shorter games are better options.
Thames Rugby & Sports Club has offered a business house league with moderate
success.
17
GST inclusive
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Thames Football
Thames Junior Football
Thames Junior Football recently formed an Incorporated Society and is affiliated to
WaikatoBOP Football Federation.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
24 junior Football fixtures will be held at Rhodes Park during the 2013 (see Table 20 and Table
21). Membership varies slightly from year to year as children move into High School or away
from the area. The Club currently has 7 teams and 30 Mini-Kickers.
All levels train on Wednesday after school.
Table 10: Thames Junior Football Membership and Subscription
THAMES JUNIOR FOOTBALL MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION
th
th
th
Grade
Mini
9
11
13
Kickers U6
Teams
3
2
2
Members
30
33
22
22
18
Subscription $
20
30
40
40
Total
7
107
Current Facilities
Based at Rhodes Park, Junior Football uses two fields for training and games.
One of the fields can become ‘boggy’
The Club entered into lease with TCDC in 2013, for a building at Rhodes Park to use as
clubrooms and for storage (previously the Thames Small-bore Rifle Club). The building
is basic and in need of some repair. Lease details are outlined in Table 11.
Previously the Club paid $500/annum to Thames Rugby & Sports Club for use of its
clubrooms and storage under the Grandstand, however found this arrangement
unsuitable.
Football families use the Council lavatory block.
Figure 7: Thames Junior Football Lease Area – Rhodes Park
Table 11: Thames Junior Football Lease Summary
Description
Location
Rights of
Lease Dates
Renewal
Thames Junior
Football
18
445c Ngati Maru
Highway
3 years
1 May 2013 to 30 April 2016
3 years
Rate/annum
$ (exc GST)
350
All figures GST inclusive
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames Senior Football
Thames Senior Football is in recession. A group meet to train once a week, however are
unable to field a team in 2013. The group has for the past four years played in the Ngatea
Indoor League and run an informal five-a-side game at Danby Field.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
The group trains under the spill of the Netball court lights at Rhodes Park in winter and may
make an arrangement with the Thames Rugby & Sports Club for use of grounds and lights.
Danby Field is utilised over summer.
The Club no longer has a bank account and will use the Junior Club account when
necessary to collect subscription fees etc.
Thames Soccer Club along with Thames Cricket Club held a 21 year lease with TCDC for use
of fields at Rhodes Park; this lease may have lapsed as both the Cricket and Senior Football
Clubs are in recession.
Danby Field has three Football pitches, one full size running north-south and at each end
smaller fields running east-west. It is a summer only venue (i.e. no lights).
Figure 8: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Area – Rhodes Park
Table 12: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Summary
Description
Location
Review
Lease Dates
Rate/annum
$ (exc GST)
Thames Cricket and
Ngati Maru
2 years
01 Jan 2000 to 31 Dec 2020
1,440
Thames Soccer Club
Highway
21 years
effective 01 Jan 2004
Commentary on Future Direction
The Junior Club would like to build a shelter (adjacent to the lavatory block), this
would serve to keep gear out of the weather and provide shelter for spectators from
wind and rain.
Senior Club would like to see flood lights at Danby Field.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames Gymnastics Club
Thames Gymnastics Club is an Incorporated Society and is affiliated to GymSport NZ.
Thames Gymnastics offers one session per week during term time (thirty weeks) at Thames
High School.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Membership is limited to primary school aged children, at 60 (12 boys, 48 girls) is at maximum
There is a waiting list and families have asked for Kindy Gym classes in addition to the schoolage class. Classes are structured into junior and senior sessions on Thursday between
3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Thames High School gymnasium.
Equipment: It takes 20 minutes at each end of class to set up apparatus. It is always
challenging to set up and put away equipment and reduces time spent on Gymnastics from
120 minutes to 80 minutes. With equipment set up the facility cannot accommodate more
participants. Mats and apparatus are stored at the school, with older pieces on loan to
other schools or stored off site.
Subscriptions: there is a tiered fee19 – ‘Drop and Go’ $90/term, ‘Stay and Assist’ $40/term.
Most families take the $40 option – this requires that they participate in setup and pack down
or by assisting with classes.
Coaching: Thames Gymnastics is well supported with nine qualified coaches and 16 parent
helpers.
2012 saw the first Gymnastics Festival – hosted at Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp - with
120 participants from the 21 Peninsula schools. This was a massive undertaking as equipment
had to be collected from around the various locations and then transported to the camp.
Current Facilities
Thames High School
One session a week is insufficient to develop competitive gymnasts – at least one
other regular session is needed.
The school gym provides a central and easily accessed venue.
Ventilation is insufficient and sun strike makes it difficult to see.
Ropes and wall bars are utilised by gymnasts.
Ideally would like to be able to leave apparatus set-up.
Some confusion over school/club equipment and use.
Commentary on Future Direction
Facility Development
A dedicated facility or area with sprung floor and apparatus would be ideal.
Can see synergy with Martial Arts.
Programme Development
Would like to develop competitive events in Thames and have members compete
interclub competition, this requires more time training.
Strong interest from community to develop Kindy Gym, could offer a positive revenue
stream to Thames Gymnastics.
Also interested in developing classes for disabled/special needs
Potential to develop specialty apparatus classes such as Trampoline is determined by
facility specifications
19
GST inclusive
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames Harrier Club Inc
Thames Harrier Club is a small group of mature runners. It has no junior membership though it
aims to encourage running and walking at all levels and ages. The Club is affiliated to
Athletics Waikato.
The season runs from March to October.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Thames Harriers have small numbers with only 27 members. At its height (1990s), the Club had
100+ members. Competitive members pay $67/annum and club-only $12/annum in
subscription20.
Club Day is on Saturday.
Statement of Financial Position (as at 31 December 2012) shows term investments of
approximately $42,000.
Current Facilities
Runners gather at the Swimming Clubrooms at Centennial Pool (1.00pm). Harriers
pay $600/annum for use of this facility.
Social functions and meetings are sometimes held at the Thames Workingmen’s Club.
Commentary on Future Direction
The Paeroa-Thames Road Race was once a significant event (600-700 entrants) on
the North Island harriers calendar. The club is keen to reinstate this race using the
Hauraki Rail Trail.
20
All figures GST inclusive
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Thames Netball Centre
Thames Netball Centre is an Incorporated Society and is affiliated to Netball Waikato
Association. The Netball Centre is based at Rhodes Park.
Teams from around the Peninsula play at the Rhodes Park courts.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
Rhodes Park
2013 sees the Thames Netball Centre fielding 21 senior and 25 junior teams – approximately
415 players. The past two seasons has seen a reduction in team numbers, Netball
representatives mentioned the increasing cost of fuel being a significant factor in the
declining numbers.
Wednesday is Club Night. Juniors and Rep teams play Saturday. The courts are utilised every
evening in winter for team trainings. The Thames Netball Centre has strong parental support
and volunteer base, and a committed Committee.
As reported by clubs at Rhodes Park, parking near the pavilion and egress from the Park are
at times problematic (specifically Wednesday evening and Saturday morning during winter).
Income is primarily derived from subscription fees and secondarily from advertising signage.
Subscriptions21 are $25/child, $40 for 2 children, $50 for 3+ children.
Netball Waikato Affiliation fees are approximately $5,000-$6,000/annum.
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp:
The Premiers play in the Friday Night League (see page 52) at the Kauaeranga Valley
Christian Camp, other than this the venue is not utilised by Netball.
Current Facilities
The Thames Netball Centre at Rhodes Park includes 6 courts, flood lights, fencing, 28 car
parks and Netball Pavilion. The lease area is outlined in (Figure 9) and lease details in Table
13.
Figure 9: Thames Netball Centre Lease Area - Rhodes Park
21
GST inclusive
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Table 13: Thames Netball Centre Lease Summary
Description
Location
Rights of
Renewal
Thames Netball
445c Ngati Maru Highway 21 years
Centre
Lease Dates
1 Apr 2012 to 30 Mar 2033
Rate/annum
$ (exc GST)
350
Thames Netball hold a lease with Council which stipulates that Council is liable to repair any
damage to the surface of the courts and fence netting caused by flooding but not for the
ongoing maintenance or any upgrades or costs associated with usual wear and tear.
The courts were resurfaced as part of facility upgrade by the Club in 2010 (at a cost to
Netball of $80,000.00 approximately), and again in 2011 following flood damage from
Cyclone Wilma (at a cost to Council of $150,000 approximately).
Thames Netball is permitted to erect 9 hoardings (1m x 2m).
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp Gymnasium is the Thames venue for the Thames Valley
Friday Night League (Interclub Premiers, & Premiers Reserves) with 18 games held over 10
weeks (see Table 29).
Commentary on Future Direction
Facilities Strategy for Netball New Zealand 2010 to 2031 states:
“The demand for indoor netball is increasing. As more teams start to compete
indoors there is an increasing demand and expectation to train indoors.
Moving indoors has a significant impact on the way people play netball (flexibility
over play times, days of the week and increased costs are some factors to be
considered).”
An indoor court facility would benefit Thames Netball.
Thames Netball is supportive of an indoor court facility and with phased introduction would
move to user pays model for use of an indoor facility.
See Section 8.2 Indoor Centre
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames Rugby & Sports Club
Thames Rugby & Sports Club is an Incorporated Society (established in 1983). The club is
affiliated to Thames Valley Rugby Union and is based at Rhodes Park.
Membership and Facility Utilisation
The Thames Rugby & Sports Club offer year round sport with winter and summer codes (Table
14). Other Rhodes Park based sports clubs have in the past affiliated to Thames Rugby &
Sports Club, this arrangement giving these clubs access to clubrooms and amenities.
Table 14: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Teams
THAMES RUGBY & SPORTS CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION
Code
Rugby
Other
Primary Secondary Seniors Masters
Touch
Netball
Cricket
Teams
6
2
2
1
16
4
6
The Club reports winter as being at times chaotic. Rugby teams are training Monday –
Thursday with games on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is the only day/evening with no
planned activity. Congestion in the car park and cars jammed in the driveway is a feature of
Saturday where there are concurrent home games for multiple Rugby, Football and Netball
teams.
For details of 2013 Rugby fixtures at Rhodes Park see page 44.
Current Facilities
The Thames Rugby & Sports Club at Rhodes Park includes 4.5 Rugby fields, flood lights,
fencing, car parking, two clubrooms, grandstand and car parking with right of way. The
lease area is outlined in Figure 12: and lease details in Table 15.
The grandstand is over 70 years old, with covered tiered seating, equipment shed, canteen
and change facilities, and it was the Thames Rugby Sub-Union headquarters (dissolved). The
widely accepted opinion is that the grandstand is past its use-by-date and its condition
cannot be improved sufficiently by renovation only by replacement.
Important to note, the lease states that if the grandstand has not been replaced during the
period of the lease (i.e. between 2011 and 2030) then the Lessee shall no longer have rights
of ownership to the grandstand. If it is replaced (by the Lessee, a charitable trust or other
entity) then the lease may be renewed to 2050.
Furthermore the lease speaks to repairs and maintenance of the grandstand
“ …. the Lessee shall be liable to keep it in good general order
and condition but shall not be liable to complete any structural
maintenance except as is required to comply with any health
and safety and fire requirements until the Lessee (or nominated
party with the Lessor’s approval) is able to start construction of a
new grandstand”
The Club leases the southernmost building at Rhodes Park and its Jellicoe Crescent building
to TCA Your Gym.
The Club operates a bar and kitchen at the clubrooms, the clubrooms are available for hire
(approximately 25 hires/annum). Other income is derived from grazing, subscriptions,
sponsorship and building lease, the Club had a net surplus of $37,403 in the year end 31
August 2012.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
31
Figure 10: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Area - Rhodes Park
Lease Notes
Area (A) to be leased to the Thames Rugby Union
Area (B) to be lease to the Thames Rugby and Sport Club Inc
Area (C) to be subject to a ‘right of way’ in favour of the Thames Rugby and Sport
Club Inc
Table 15: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Summary
Description
Location
Review
Thames Rugby &
Sports Club
445 Ngati Maru Highway
3 years
Lease Dates
16 Feb 2011 to
29 Nov 2030
20 years
Rate/annum
$ (exc GST)
350
Commentary on Future Direction
The Club has a vision of replacing the current grandstand with a multipurpose sports facility
with terraced seating, clubrooms, multiple changing rooms, fitness area (gym) and a single
indoor court.
An affordable and sustainable facility development is of utmost importance and the Club
would consider a proposal that achieves this.
Maintaining the Club’s positive revenue is a vital consideration in the development,
ownership and management of facilities developed at Rhodes Park.
See Section 8.3 Rhodes Park Redevelopment
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
32
Thames Amateur Swimming Club
Thames Amateur Swimming Club is based at the Centennial Pool. Membership is stable with
typically 100-120 swimmers each year. Whilst sharing the same facilities and some members,
the Club operates separately from the Swim Academy. The Swim Club season runs 6 weeks
either side of Christmas.
Historically the Centennial Pool and the Thames Swimming Club were host to the biggest
annual swimming carnival in the North Island. With a new facility it could be again.
Swimming would ideally see Thames with a 50m pool. Such a pool would permit Water Polo,
Underwater Hockey and inter club competitions bringing swimmers from the Auckland
Region and Waikato regions.
Thames Bowling Club Inc
Thames Bowling Club is an Incorporated Society; the Club is affiliated to Bowls NZ.
The Club owns the land and buildings. Membership is static (n=165).
The Club has 2 Grass Greens, 1 Artificial Green and Clubrooms (with bar and 4 gaming
machines, commercial kitchen and seating for 160-200). The clubrooms are available for hire
and are open daily from 4:00pm. The Club is largely manned by volunteers. Paid staff
include a part-time Bar Manager and a part-time Greenkeeper.
Statement of Financial Performance for the Year Ended 30 April 2012 shows a net surplus of
$69,332.
Thames Mountain Biking Club
The Club has 30 members. Membership has diminished due to frustration - things moving too
slowly (hold ups with track building) and/or people moving out of town.
The Mountain Biking Club are keen to maximise opportunities for Rail Trail riders by creating a
“Trail - Pump – Mountain” route in Thames.
Pump Track
The Club identified two potential locations for a Pump Track (Burke Street Reserve and
between Ngati Maru Highway and the Aerodrome near Rhodes Park), and have
approached Council regarding these locations. The preliminary design for the Pump Track is
22m x 11m x 1m, needing approximately 175m3 of fill.
MTB Tracks
Mountain bike tracks are built by hand; the work to date at Scarface on the Moantaiari
Creek Road has been achieved by Club working bees. The Club has applied for grants to
hire machinery to complete some of the heavier work (Grassroots Trust $1000 and Fonterra
Grassroots Trust $5000).
Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club
Thames Valley Motorcycle Club holds a lease at Rhodes Park, for the period of 20 years from
1 Jun 2009 to 30 May 2029 for the sum of $350+GST/annum.
The track is ‘family friendly’, i.e. it is not designed as a high performance track rather is
suitable for all levels of rider. Membership ranges between 70 to 100, the recent decline in
membership is reported as being due to the to the track not being further developed.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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The Club is in protracted negotiations with Council and Environment Waikato regarding
extension of the track and is faced with a number of issues including noise transfer and being
in a flood hazard zone.
Thames Squash Club Inc
Thames Squash Club is an Incorporated Society. It is affiliated the regional body Squash
Waikato. Thames Squash is co-located with Thames Tennis at Victoria Park on Brown Street.
Thames Squash owns the building (on TCDC land).
Membership is reasonability static (n=135 members being 63 juniors and 72 seniors).
Subscription fees are $70 juniors and $220 seniors. Members have 24/7 key access, Friday is
junior club night and Sunday senior club night. The twice yearly Business House league is
popular.
The Club has 3 courts in good condition (1 glass back), also a 100 seat capacity clubrooms
with bar, kitchen, ablutions, showers. The clubrooms are available for hire.
The Club has no plans to expand the facility but would consider working with other clubs.
Thames Tennis Club Inc
Thames Tennis Club is an Incorporated Society. It is affiliated the regional body Tennis
Waikato-Bays. Thames Tennis is co-located with Thames Squash at Victoria Park on Brown
Street. Thames Tennis owns the building (on TCDC land). The club has been in operation
since 1905.
It is an inclusive club, with strong social and competitive business house competitions, friendly
mid-week tennis and with a large group of junior players. Tennis activity occurs here
7days/week.
Membership is reasonability static (n=187 members being 95 juniors, 22 secondary school and
72 seniors).
Thames Tennis Club has five astro courts, 3 recently resurfaced (2 will need resurfacing in the
not too distant future); all courts are flood-lit. Bar and kitchen facilities are shared with
Thames Squash.
Thames Jockey Club 22
Thames Racecourse is home to Thames Jockey Club which holds two meetings per year
(January and November). The Club has a long and proud history, being one of New
Zealand's oldest racing clubs. The next meeting in January will be the 139 th meeting of the
Club. The track is right hand a course with a 320m straight, and a total distance of 1610m.
Thames Jockey Club is situated on the Parawai Road, south of Thames town centre. The
Club is reported to have an aging committee and a dwindling membership. The track is
owned by the Thames Jockey Club. The Thames course is not one New Zealand’s 6 strategic
thoroughbred racecourses (these are Trentham, Te Rapa, Riccarton, Pukekura, Ellerslie, and
Hastings).
It has noted that a section of land is owned by iwi (running from the track across to Parawai
Road) and that the Club is reluctant to address the issue (i.e. purchase the land).
22
M. Hamilton and P. Richardson, Trustees Zoom Zone (personal communication May 15, 2013)
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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5 THAMES SPORTS FACILITIES
5.1 TAIPARI PARK
Description: Taipari Park
Location: 105 MacKay St, Thames
Land Value: $
Improvements Value: $
Capital Value: $
Area m2: 0.8839Ha
Rating Notice:
Zone: Open Space, Recreation Active
Ownership and Management of Park:
Thames Coromandel District Council
Buildings owned by:
Thames Coromandel District Council
Assets at Taipari Park
Centennial Pool
Skate Park
Figure 11: Taipari Park – Aerial View, With Centennial
Pool And Skate Park
Borough Centennial Monument
Picnic facilities
User Groups
Casual Recreation Users
Community Groups
Health Therapy Groups
Pool Community Users
Schools
Scouts and Cubs
Skate Park Community Users
Thames Amateur Swimming Club
Thames Harriers Club
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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5.2 CENTENNIAL POOL
Description: Centennial Pool
Location: 105 MacKay St, Thames
Land Value: $
Improvements Value: $
Capital Value: $
Area m2: 9900
Rating Notice:
Zone: Open Space
Flood Hazard: Low
Ownership and Management of
Pool:
Thames Coromandel District
Council
Buildings owned by:
Thames Coromandel District
Council
Council Led Programmes
Swim Cool Swim School
- Learn to Swim
- Swim Squad
Group Exercise Classes
- Aquarobics
Figure 12: Centennial Pool - Summer View (Top)
Winter View (Bottom)
User Groups
Casual Recreation Users
Community Groups
Health Therapy Groups
Schools
Scouts and Cubs
Thames Amateur Swimming Club
Thames Harriers Club
Facilities
Lane Pool (outdoor/indoor)
25m x 15m, 7 lane
- 450,000L
- 28oC Operating
Temperature
- Available year round
- Inflatable
Dome(winter)
Toddler’s Pool (outdoor)
- 12m x 7m x 0.25m
- 21,000L
- Not heated
- Available summer only
Grandstand
Ablutions/Change
- Swim Clubrooms
Pump and Plant
Pool Management
Offices
Other
Heating Unit 200kW
Dome (winter)
Entry Kiosk
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Location and Current Site Plan
Centennial Pool is located at Taipari Park at the junction of McKay St, Fenton St and Jellicoe
Crescent. The pool complex opened in 1976.
Key Land, Planning and Lease Information
The Council owns and manages the Thames Centennial Pool. The pool has professional, well
trained staff providing a range of programmes including Learn to Swim, Aquarobics and
Swim Squad. Local schools utilise the pool for water safety education classes and for swim
meets. This is the home of the Thames Amateur Swimming Club and Thames Harriers. Year
round swimming is available with an inflatable dome erected in winter and water heated to
28oC.
Taipari Park is an historic urupa site and is considered wahi tapu. Wahi tapu is significant in
that it affects the way in which Maori engage with the land and feel about its use; in
preparation of this report, some respondents commented that they and their families chose
not to swim at the Centennial Pool because of being situated on wahi tapu land.
Facilities
The Centennial Pool has an:
-
Outdoor 25m x 15m, 7 lane pool, 1m deep at ends and 1.3m at its deepest point.
Outdoor Toddler’s paddling pool (available summer only).
‘Grandstand’ with clubrooms, changing amenities and elevated terraced seating,
pool manager’s office and filtration plant.
Re-locatable woodchip boiler, installed in 2010.
Entry Kiosk serves as the retail outlet and ticket office.
Inflatable dome enabling year round use of the 25m pool.
The complex is ‘of its age’ and does not meet the community expectations of modern
Aquatic Centres.
The 25m pool is sinking in one corner and lifting in the diagonally opposite corner and the
grandstand could at best be described as tired. An often quoted engineers report suggests
that the pool had an expected life of 10 years some 4 or 5 years ago 23.
The inflatable dome assists with maintaining a consistent temperature during winter and
provides shelter from the elements.
The manager’s office is situated below the terraced seating; it is below road level and has
been subjected to flooding in recent years.
Change rooms are basic, with no lockers or secure storage provided. All belongings must be
taken pool side.
The swimming clubrooms serve as a meeting and training space. Not originally designed for
this purpose the club and swim squads make best use of the space available to them for ‘dry
training’.
23
SGL has not sighted this report.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Utilisation
Table 17, Table 18 and Table 19, outline utilisation of the pool over a 12 month period, total
swimmer visits being 46,000 and revenue from swimming $102,633 (excludes retail sales of
$9,923.90). This data does not include spectator visits.
Centennial Pool provides a variety of programmes including aquarobics, learn to swim,
water safety education, and swim squad training see Staff are employed by Council
(Manager [40 hours], Head Coach [40 hours], Life Guards [1x 40 hours and 1x 22 hours], Swim
Instructors [1 x 20 hours and 1 x 4 hours], Swim Instructors [casual x 5], Life Guard [casual x 1]).
Table 16). Staff are employed by Council (Manager [40 hours], Head Coach [40 hours], Life
Guards [1x 40 hours and 1x 22 hours], Swim Instructors [1 x 20 hours and 1 x 4 hours], Swim
Instructors [casual x 5], Life Guard [casual x 1]).
Table 16: Centennial Pool Aquatic Programme Schedule
CENTENNIAL POOL STANDARD UTILISATION OF LANE POOL BY GROUP
TIME
Mon
AM
Tue
SQ Bronze
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
Wed
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
AR Low
AR Med
PM
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
Fri
SQ Bronze
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
LTS Babies
LTS Preschool
LTS Babies
LTS Preschool
LTS Babies
LTS Preschool
LTS Babies
LTS Preschool
LTS School Age
LTS School Age
LTS School Age
LTS School Age
LTS School Age
SQ Develop
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SQ Develop
SQ Bronze
SQ Motivator
LTS
SQ
AR
SC
Sat
Sun
SQ Motivator
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SC Race Day
SC Training
AR Low
AR Med
LTS Babies
LTS Preschool
AR Summer
Key
Thu
SQ Silver
SQ Gold
SC Training
Learn to Swim
Squad
Aquarobics
Swim Club
With growing popularity of the Council run aquatic programmes, the limitations of the pool
complex are further highlighted. There are often times when the pool is so busy that only ½
of one lane is left available for casual community recreational use and one lane for nonprogramme lane swimmers. According to the Manager “compromise is key to making the
facility work particularly from 3:30pm onwards”.
The dome enables winter use and consistent water temperature, but causes an increase in
humidity and fog. It also creates a acoustic challenges (instructor and coaches report that
swimmers cannot hear instructions even though they may be very close, yet can be heard
by swimmers many lanes away). Also with the dome in place, spectator space is reduced,
creating challenges for instructors/coaches. Furthermore access by varying ability users is
hampered by the doors (rotating and manual), and the transition from change rooms to
poolside is made significantly more challenging with multiple levels to negotiate and greater
distances to travel.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Local primary schools utilise the pool for water education and interschool swim meets and as
the Thames High School pool is 30m rather than the regulation 25m or 50m, it brings the entire
school (600+ students) to Centennial Pool for the school’s annual swimming champs.
Table 17: Non-Fee Paying Utilisation of Centennial Pool
CENTENNIAL POOL UTILISATION NON FEE PAYING GROUPS
Group
Description
Swim Club
Regular
12 weeks x 3 session/week x 100 swimmers
Meets
1 x 120 swimmers
Schools
Regular
5 days/week x 5 classes/day x 25 students/class x 20 weeks
Meets
4 meets x 200 students + 1 meet x 600 students
Squad
12 session/week x 15 swimmers x 48 weeks = 8,640
Regular
Minus visits put through cash register 3,526
Total
Visits
3600
120
12500
1400
5144
22,764
Revenue and Expenditure
Table 18: Centennial Pool Revenue and
Utilisation by Month
CENTENNIAL POOL
24
REVENUE AND UTILISATION BY MONTH
Year/Month
Revenue $
Visits
5 (2012)
11,072.50
2,226
6
7
8
9
10
11
4,160.90
4,674.00
3,974.50
15,814.50
6,199.50
7,306.60
942
1,221
1,110
2,862
1,248
926
12
1 (2013)
2
3
4
Subtotal
10,016.80
16,117.10
9,385.50
8,745.50
15,089.60
112,557.00
2,148
3,536
2,158
2,158
2,703
23,238
Less Retail
Total
-9,923.90
102,633.10
Table 19: Centennial Pool Revenue and
Utilisation by Type
CENTENNIAL POOL
REVENUE AND UTILISATION BY TYPE
Type
Revenue $
Visits
Adults
4,990.50
1,109
Children
8,265.00
2,094
Family
3,024.00
1,152
Senior
Adult Con
Child/Snr Con
LTS
Aqua Classes
Pre-School
Squad
Lane Hire
Pool Hire
1,403.50
5,815.00
8,097.00
50,005.70
1,645.00
468.00
401
1,575
2,670
7,918
515
458
13,467.40
1,908.00
3,544.00
102,633.10
3,526
620
1,200
23,238
Most recent Revised 2012/13 Budget shows a projected annual operating revenue of
$112,846 (including gross retail sales of $14,000), annual operating expenditure of $308,921
(excluding the Operating Unit Charge of $131,344), and therefore a projected annual deficit
of $196,075. Note these figures also do not include depreciation nor any finance costs. 25
GST inclusive figures from Thames Centennial Pool Managers Monthly Reports – summarised by SGL Group. Visits
represent those put through the cash register (i.e. a purchase); Non Fee Paying visitation was calculated separately
and verified with Centennial Pool Manager Paul Dufty.
25 Account Summary – Swimming Pools Thames – Period Ended: June 2013” (printed 25 May 2013)
24
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
39
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions
The quality and success of the aquatic programmes has negatively impacted on the
availability of the facility for casual community use. The pool utilisation has reached
saturation and cannot expand beyond its current level after 3:00pm on weekdays.
Development of a modern facility is needed, one that can provide adequate level of service
for the wide variety of users. Centennial Pool staff are inspired and motivated to fulfill the
aspirations of the Thames community - from toddlers to the positively aging.
Staff indicated that an indoor facility with a Wet Play Area @ 32+ oC; Learn to Swim Pool 10m
x 15m x 0.85m, @ 32+oC; and 25m Lane Pool, 1.1m to up to 2m deep, @ 26-27°C would cater
for current utilisation, provide opportunity to expand programmes and enable greater casual
community utilisation.
See Section 8.4 Aquatic Centre.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
40
5.3 RHODES PARK
Description
Description: Rhodes Park
Location: 445 Ngati Maru Highway
Land Value: $750,000
Improvements Value: $1,400,00
Capital Value: $2,150,000
Area m2: 14.941 Ha
Rating Notice: 21/12/2009
Zone: Recreation Active
Flood Hazard: High
Ownership and Management of
Park:
TCDC
Figure 13: Rhodes Park – Aerial View
User Groups:
Thames Junior Football Club
Thames Model Yacht Club
Thames Motorcycle Club
Thames Netball Centre
Thames Rugby & Sports Club
Thames Clay Shooting Club
TCA Gym
Facilities:
TVR&SC Grandstand
TVR&SC Clubrooms (north)
TVR&SC Clubrooms (south)
Small-bore Rifle Clubrooms
Thames Netball Centre Clubrooms
Lavatory Block (TCDC)
Children’s Playground (TCDC)
6 Netball Courts (floodlit)
4 Rugby Fields (1 floodlit)
1 Rugby Training Field (1/2 Size)
2 Football Fields
2 Cricket Wickets
1 Baseball Diamond
Motor Cycle Track
Buildings Owned By:
Thames Rugby & Sports Club
- 2 x Clubrooms
- Grandstand
Thames Netball Centre
- Clubrooms
TCDC
- Lavatory block
- Small-bore Rifle Range
Current Leases:
Thames Rugby & Sports Club
- 20 years
- Expires May 2030?
Thames Junior Football Club
- 3 years
- Expires 2016
Thames Netball Association
- 21 years
Expires 30 Mar 2033
Thames Cricket & Soccer Clubs
- 21 years
- Expires Dec 2020
Thames Valley Motorcycle Club
- 20 years
Expires May 2029
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
41
Location and Current Site Plan
Rhodes Park is south of the town centre, is bordered by Ngati Maru Highway, the Thames
Aerodrome, the Firth of Thames and lies close to the Kauaeranga River. The park is a natural
spillway for the Firth of Thames and the Kauaeranga River.
Rhodes Park is the major grass field and outdoor court venue in Thames. Comprising
14.94Ha, with 6 Netball courts, 2 Football fields and 4.5 Rugby fields, the park is home to
Thames Netball Centre, Thames Junior Football and Thames Rugby & Sports Club. Other
activities here are Cricket and Touch in summer and Group Fitness classes year round in the
premises leased to TCA Your Gym. The Motor Cycle Club and the Clay Shooting Club are
based on the south western corner.
Key Land, Planning and Lease Information
Rhodes Park, Thames has been a sporting facility since 1928 and it is Council's aim to
keep it this way. Council assumed ownership and management of the park in 1988.
Only the lavatory block and playground are owned Council, otherwise all other built
structures are owned by the sports clubs.
Each club pays Council a peppercorn rental of $350+GST/annum.
Environment Waikato is cautious with regard to development at Rhodes Park due to it
being a spillway.
Facilities
Netball
The Netball courts were resurfaced twice in the past five years due to flood damage.
The courts are floodlit. No particular issue was mentioned regarding the Netball
clubrooms.
Football
Junior Football now has its own clubrooms (Small-bore Rifle building). Previously Junior
Football paid a $500 subscription to the Thames Rugby & Sports Club for use of its
facilities, however found this arrangement unfavourable.
Rugby
The Thames Rugby & Sports Club has three buildings at Rhodes Park; the Grandstand,
the main clubrooms (north) and the old clubrooms (south). The latter is leased to TCA
Your Gym. The Rugby Club is licensed to serve for alcohol and has recently
upgraded its kitchen. The clubrooms are available for hire. One field is floodlit.
Other Users
Senior Cricket is in recession; previously it paid Rugby $500 subscription for use of the
Grandstand as a clubroom and for storage. Senior Football had a similar
arrangement to use the Thames Rugby & Sports Clubrooms; however it too is in
recession. The Motorcycle Club do not have clubrooms. The Small-bore Rifle Club
building has reverted to Council ownership.
Sport groups report that there are sufficient grounds and courts and that the playing surfaces
are in good order. At times the fields are wet and can be boggy (Football).
Both Netball and Rugby mentioned that parking and access are inadequate, particularly on
Saturday mornings when the three major codes have players and supporters transitioning in
and out of the park with the narrow driveway slowing traffic turnover.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Utilisation
Rhodes Park is as an event venue for the Circus, Thames Save the Children Fun Run and The
Great Thames Tug Off / Strong Man Event.
The park is particularly busy during the winter months and is significantly quieter over summer.
Table 20 and Table 21 summarise field hours for 12 months from August 2012 to July 2013.
Total field hours (2873) comprise Training 71%, Games 23%, Maintenance 4% and Events 2%.
Table 20: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Month by Weekday
RHODES PARK GRASS FIELD BOOKING – TOTAL HOURS BY MONTH BY WEEKDAY
Weekday
Total
Month/Year
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun Hours
8 (2012)
24
28
30
35
98
8
223
9
60
72
48
60
24
67
12
344
10
30
6
30
24
12
68
24
194
11
24
24
44
24
56
24
196
12
18
6
11
40
75
1 (2013)
12
6
14
46
19
96
2
20
47
27
35
32
160
3
37
30
36
39
32
9
183
4
71
80
61
58
18
43
18
349
5
40
84
92
88
51
355
6
40
89
76
76
80
5
366
7
62
87
77
58
51
335
Total
407
576
483
533
91
664
118
2873
Table 21: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Type by Weekday
RHODES PARK GRASS FIELD BOOKING – TOTAL HOURS BY TYPE BY WEEKDAY
Weekday
Type
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Event
24
37
Game
664
Maintenance
42
54
Training
407
576
483
468
91
27
Total
407
576
483
533
91
664
118
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
Total
Hours
61
664
96
2052
2873
43
The Tables below outline Rugby and Football utilisation at Rhodes Park (2013 winter season
fixtures).
Club and Secondary School Rugby has 52 Saturday games and club Football 27 Saturday
games. Secondary School Football is played at Danby Field and at Thames High School (see
Table 26 for draw details).
For Netball utilisation see Thames Netball Centre on page 29 .
Table 22: Rhodes Park Football and
Rugby Fixtures by Grade (2013)
RHODES PARK 2013 WINTER SEASON
FOOTBALL AND RUGBY FIXTURES BY GRADE
Code
Total
Grade
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
11th
13th
Senior A
Senior C
SS Dev
SS XV
Total
Football
3
9
15
27
Rugby
5
6
5
7
7
6
7
2
4
3
52
Fixtures
5
6
5
7
7
9
9
15
7
2
4
3
79
Table 23: Rhodes Park Football and
Rugby Fixtures by Date (2013)
RHODES PARK 2013 WINTER SEASON
FOOTBALL AND RUGBY FIXTURES BY DATE
Code
Total
Date
23/03/2013
13/04/2013
20/04/2013
27/04/2013
11/05/2013
Rugby
1
2
2
1
3
Fixtures
1
2
2
1
6
2
1
5
1
4
3
4
1
7
1
6
3
6
15/06/2013
22/06/2013
29/06/2013
06/07/2013
13/07/2013
03/08/2013
2
3
2
2
2
2
5
3
6
2
4
2
7
6
8
4
6
4
10/08/2013
17/08/2013
24/08/2013
31/08/2013
07/09/2013
Total
1
1
1
1
1
27
3
4
1
1
1
1
79
15/05/2013
18/05/2013
22/05/2013
25/05/2013
01/06/2013
08/06/2013
Football
3
2
2
52
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions
See Section 4 Thames Rugby & Sports Club (page 31) and Section 8.3 Rhodes Park
Clubrooms Redevelopment (page 73).
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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5.4 THAMES HIGH SCHOOL AND DANBY FIELD
Figure 14: Thames High School and Danby Field – Aerial View
User Groups:
Danby
Thames High School
Thames Senior Football (casual)
School
Thames High School
Thames Athletics
Thames Gymnastics
Thames Basketball
Thames Badminton
Rock Climbers
Facilities:
Danby
2 Cricket wickets
1 full size Football field (north- south)
2 small fields (ends) (east- west)
Changing shed (re-locatable)
School
Description:
Location:
Land Value:
Improvements Value:
Capital Value:
Area m2:
Rating Notice:
Zone:
Ownership and Management:
Ministry of Education
(both Danby Field and school campus)
Buildings Owned By:
Thames High School
Current Leases:
Nil
Indoor Court with Climbing Wall
30m Pool
2 x Football Fields
1 x ½ Hockey Turf (sand base)
3 x Tennis Courts
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Thames High School
Location and Current Site Plan
Bordered by McKay, Sealy, Rolleston and Richmond Streets.
Is one of four schools serving secondary school age children on the Coromandel
Peninsula.
In 2013 has a roll of 605 and a sports membership of 331.
The school pool was built in the 1960’s and is reported to be in good condition with
an expected life of at least 10 years26. Recently the pump was replaced and the
fencing upgraded.
The school upgraded to a 300kW woodchip boiler for classroom heating and have
suggested that it may be sufficient to heat the pool also.
Table 24: Thames High School – Sports Team Membership (2013)
THAMES HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM MEMBERSHIP 2013
Code
Male
Female
Mixed
Total
Teams
Students Team Students Teams Students Teams Students
Badminton
14
0
14
Basketball
2
25
2
25
Football
1
16
2
34
3
50
Golf
1
8
1
8
Hockey
1
14
1
18
2
32
Moto X
13
0
13
Netball
10
89
10
89
Rugby
3
74
1
16
4
90
Tennis
10
0
10
TOTAL
8
137
14
157
0
37
22
331
Key Land, Planning and Lease Information
The school’s Board has expressed need for clear direction with regard to recreation/sport
facility development in Thames and is open to a joint venture or similar for sport and
recreation facility development utilising school grounds/facilities.
Utilisation
The school welcomes community sport and recreation users. The school gymnasium indoor
court is booked year round by sport groups and the Athletics track is utilised by Thames
Athletics over the summer season.
Utilisation of the Thames High School gymnasium is approximately 1,700 hours.
School use is calculated at 1000 hours (5 hours daily use x 5 day week x 40 week
year). After hours use is approximately 700 (
Table 25).
Hire fee is $21.50 inclusive (gymnasium).
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions
The development of a second court and an Aquatic Centre at Thames High School was
proposed 2009. The Board is awaiting direction regarding this proposal from Council. There is
a degree of urgency regarding this matter as the Ministry of Education requires the school to
submit a 10 Year Property Plan (10YPP)).
See Section 8.2 Indoor Centre
26
D Sims, Principal (personal communication May 15, 2013
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Table 25: Thames High School Gymnasium Afterhours Utilisation, Court Hours27
THAMES HIGH SCHOOL – ANNUAL COURT HOURS BY WEEKDAY BY MONTH
Month
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Total
3
8.0
6.5
8.0
3.5
26.0
4
8.0
1.0
16.5
9.5
4.0
39.0
5
22.0
4.0
18.0
22.0
14.0
80.0
6
22.0
4.0
18.0
22.0
14.0
80.0
7
28.0
8.5
19.3
23.5
11.0
6.5
9.0
105.8
8
22.7
5.0
25.8
32.5
4.0
4.0
5.0
99.0
9
22.7
3.5
20.5
26.0
4.0
10.0
33.5
120.2
10
3.5
10.8
8.0
2.0
18.5
42.8
11
7.0
8.7
14.0
11.0
17.5
26.5
84.7
12
2.0
4.3
4.0
2.0
3.5
3.5
19.3
35.0
148.5
169.5
69.5
41.5
96.0
696.8
Total
136.8
Danby Field
Location and Current Site Plan
Is part of Thames High School – it is used for PE classes and is the school’s Football
games/training venue
Formerly Ngati Maru land it was gifted to the Crown for “Educational Use” at such
time as it is no longer required for this purpose ownership reverts from the Crown to
Ngati Maru.
Bordered by Richmond and Queen Streets and Goldfield’s Mall. The Hauraki Rail Trail
extension loop runs the length of the field at its western edge and Porritt Park shares
the eastern boundary.
Including Danby Field, Thames High School measures 8.125Ha.
Key Land, Planning and Lease Information
Water
The field is low and uneven; the surface tends to become boggy and does not drain
well.
Nokenoke Creek opens between Goldfield’s Mall and Danby Field.
To protect from flooding a bund edges the western and northern boundaries.
Flood Hazard – Flood Thames and 50 Year Flood (0.6m max)
Urban Development Strategy
Danby Field is identified in the Thames Urban Development Strategy as forming part
of ‘Greenstrip’ - the Thames recreational zone. The Strategy proposes developing a
pool at the northern edge adjacent to Goldfield’s Mall and an education facility at
the southern edge along Richmond Street.
27
Utilisation outside school hours – Thames High School KAMAR system (terms 2-3, 2012 and terms 1-2, 2013)
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Utilisation
Has been suggested that the school’s re-locatable changing sheds could be used by
cyclists on the Hauraki Rail Trail
Thames High School Football have 7 Waikato BOP Football Federation secondary
school Football fixtures at Danby Field in the 2013 season.
Table 26: Thames High School Football Fixtures by Venue (2013)
THAMES HIGH SCHOOL 2013 WINTER SEASON
28
FOOTBALL FIXTURES SEASON BY VENUE
Field
Date
Danby THS1
THS2
Fixtures
11/05/2013
18/05/2013
25/05/2013
01/06/2013
08/06/2013
15/06/2013
22/06/2013
29/06/2013
06/07/2013
13/07/2013
03/08/2013
10/08/2013
17/08/2013
31/08/2013
07/09/2013
Total
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
2
2
1
1
1
1
3
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
16
1
1
2
2
1
24
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions
See Section 8.4 Aquatic Centre
28
From WaikatoBOP Football Federation Draw
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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5.5 PORRITT PARK
Description:
Location:
Land Value:
Improvements Value:
Capital Value:
Area m2:
Rating Notice:
Zone:
Ownership and Management of Park:
TCDC
Buildings Owned By:
Figure 15: Porritt Park - Aerial View
TCDC
Current Leases:
Citizens Band
Citizens Advice Bureau
Goldfield’s Mall car parking
(one current, one expired)
User Groups:
Families
Citizens Band
Citizens Advice Bureau
Tourists (freedom campers)
Goldfield’s Mall (car parking)
Location and Current Site Plan
Porritt Park is located on Queen Street in Thames. It is bordered by Danby Field and
Goldfield’s Shopping Mall and is adjacent to the Thames Civic Centre. The Park is a popular
playground and is home to the Thames Citizen Band and the Citizen Advice Bureau, the
southern end is available for freedom camping and the northern end is leased to Goldfield’s
Mall for car parking.
Key Land, Planning and Lease Information
Zone
The Park is zoned Town Centre, Recreation Passive and Open Space.
Water
Many storm water utility services and pipes run through the site.
Porritt Park has some areas where water ‘ponds’.
Nokenoke Creek – runs under Porritt Park, opening between Goldfield’s Mall and
Danby Field out to the Firth.
Historical
There is an archaeological site located in the vicinity of the property and historical
links between iwi and this area. It is recommended consultation is undertaken with
the Ngati Maru and New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
There is question regarding the position of the physical boundary between Danby
Field and Porritt Park, some suggesting that Danby Field encroaches on Porritt Park by
some 5 or more metres.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Urban Development Strategy
Porritt Park along with Danby Field are identified in the Thames Urban Development
Strategy as forming part of ‘Greenstrip’ - the Thames recreational zone. At this point
there is overlap with the ‘Central Commercial Hub’. The Strategy proposes
developing pool, gymnasium and sports club, retail, café/bar, artists’ studios, medium
density house, Skate Park and education facilities in this location.
Leases
The two leases with Goldfield’s provides significant income to Council ($1,600
annually to 31 March 2014) and $11,200 quarterly (expires 12 December 2038, 7 yearly
Right of Renewal). Note, the Complex is for sale.
Lease for Citizens Advice Bureau is at the standard community rate of
$350+GST/annum (Right of Renewal 1/05/2015 expiry 30/04/2018) and Citizens Band
pay a ‘peppercorn’/annum (leases expires on cessation of band).
Skate Park
Already a popular destination playground the addition of a Skate Park will enhance
the recreation aspect of the Park. Older and younger children can be in close
proximity, yet distinct activity areas. Furthermore the high visibility of the Park provides
protection for users and for the asset.
Youth Group
Thames Youth Group has expressed interest in the Citizens Band building – seeing this
as an ideal location for a youth facility particularly if a Skate Park is developed here.
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions
See Section 8.1 Skate Park
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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5.6 THAMES WAR MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTRE
Figure 16: Thames War Memorial Civic Centre – Aerial
View
Description:
Location:
Land Value:
Improvements Value:
Capital Value:
Area m2:
Rating Notice:
Zone:
Ownership and Management of Facility
User Groups:
Church Groups
- Life Equip
Community Groups
- Aged Concern
- Hauraki Collective
- NZ Blood Service
- Thames Bridge Club
- Thames St Johns
Dance Groups
- Thames Hauraki Ballet
Theatre
- Dance Education Centre
Annual Show
Cultural Groups
- Hauraki Haka Kapa Festival
Entertainment Events
- Kelvin Cruickshank Show
- Isla Grant Tour
Family Groups
- Funeral Services
- Family reunions
Other
- Auction of General Goods
School Groups
- Thames High School Ball
- Goldfield’s Fundraiser
Sport Groups
- Badminton
- TCA Aerobics
- Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts
Thames Events
- Heritage Week
- ANZAC DAY Service
TCDC
- Community Meetings and
Workshops
- Public Meetings
- Thames Community Board
TCDC
Buildings Owned By:
TCDC
Current Leases:
Nil
Location and Current Site Plan
Thames War Memorial Civic Centre is located on corner of Queen Street and Mary Street in
Thames. Porritt Park and Goldfield’s Mall are adjacent on Queen Street and WINTEC is an
immediate neighbor (and also a Council owned building).
Facilities
The Civic Centre is a multipurpose building with an auditorium, and function room with
adjoining kitchen.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Utilisation
The auditorium floor is marked for Badminton and Netball.
The Centre is the primary performing arts venue for Thames and is used for sports and
recreation also. 2012 saw 1818 hours of use by a wide array of user groups (see
above). Of these hours, there were a total of 1209 court hours (this being 544 hours
booking the entire centre and 665 hours the auditorium-only.
The Civic Centre auditorium is the principal venue used by Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts and
Midweek Badminton.
Auditorium booking fees range from $18 to $52 per hour (with Community weekly
users attracting the lowest fee).
The limited run-off, low ceiling height and lighting are problematic for regular sport
users.
Table 27: Civic Centre - Total Hours – By Facility and Classification 29
CIVIC CENTRE ‘ALL FACILITY’ BOOKINGS BY TYPE – TOTAL HOURS
Community
Facility
Commercial Community
Regular
Council Educational
Auditorium
80.9
180.5
389.0
5.5
Function/Conference Room
67.0
202.5
196.0
112.0
9.5
Thames Civic Centre
29.0
340.2
20.0
155.0
Total
176.9
723.1
605.0
272.5
9.5
Private
9.5
21.5
Total
665.4
608.5
544.2
1818.0
31.0
Table 28: Civic Centre Auditorium – Total Hours
CIVIC CENTRE ‘AUDITORIUM’ BOOKINGS BY TYPE
Type
Hours
Type
Hours
Bridge
28.0
Family
9.5
Church
11.0
Fitness
69.0
Community
47.5
School
23.0
Dance
36.0
Sport
297.0
Event
136.4
Education
8.0 Total
406.5 665.4
Total
258.9
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions
Urban Development Strategy
The Thames Urban Development Strategy identify the Thames Civic Centre as being pivotal
in forming the ‘Thames + Regional Cultural and Commercial Hub’ connecting Mary, Queen
and Pollen Streets. The WINTEC building would be repurposed, the library relocated and
evolving into Information Communication Technology hub. The new centre would have
meeting and conference rooms, workshop facilities and learning spaces.
Thames High School
Should this direction be adopted, suggest all sports activity would cease to be
accommodated in the Thames Civic Centre. Hence relocation to another venue is required
and the only other suitable venue is the Thames High School Gymnasium, however the
opinion of the sports groups based there is that the school gym is at capacity and that it is
difficult to secure additional regular hours.
Proposed Indoor Court Development
See Section 8.2 Indoor Centre
29
January – December Bookings data 2012 (confirmed/default status)
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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5.7 KAUAERANGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN CAMP
Ownership and Management of
Camp:
The Stewards' Trust of New
Zealand Incorporated
In-residence Managers
Andrew and Terri Miller
Buildings Owned By:
The Stewards' Trust of New
Zealand Incorporated
Current Leases:
Figure 17: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp – Aerial
View
Utilisation
The camp is currently operating at 30% occupancy, with
no bookings between April and August 2013. The
Manager reported that sports hall bookings are also low
with few regular users. Premier division of Thames Valley
Netball play Friday evenings between 6:00 and 9:00 pm
during the winter months and Kiaido Ryu hold two
residential camps annually.
Table 29: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp , Thames
Valley Netball Fixtures By Date
KAUAERANGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN CAMP,
THAMES VALLEY NETBALL FIXTURES BY DATE
Date
Total Fixtures
Courts Hours
17/05/2013
24/05/2013
31/05/2013
07/06/2013
14/06/2013
21/06/2013
28/06/2013
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
07/07/2013
12/07/2013
19/07/2013
26/07/2013
02/08/2013
Total
1
1
2.0
2.0
2
2
3.0
3
N/A
User Groups:
Schools
Holiday Programmes
Sports Groups
NZ Police
Facilities:
Indoor Court With Mezzanine
(2009)
Sleeping Quarters for 86
BMX Track
Go Kart Track
Football Field
Rugby Field
Playground
Location and Current Site Plan
The Kauaeranga Valley Christian
Camp comprises 16 acres and is 6 km
from the township of Thames. Its
primary purpose is providing camps
for children and youth. The camp is
well appointed with excellent facilities.
The gymnasium was opened in 2009,
shortly afterwards it suffered significant
storm damage and was
reconstructed. The building design is
economical with a non-sprung chip
board floor, long run iron for wall and
roofing. The mezzanine with
kitchenette serves as a multi-function
area and for viewing the sports hall,
and storage is ample. Floor markings
include Basketball, Netball and
Volleyball.
The gymnasium is available for
community hire ($20/hour GST
inclusive).
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
53
5.8 BURKE ST BEACH FRONT RESERVE
Description: Burke St Beach Front Reserve
Location: Burke St, Fergusson Drive
Land Value: $
Improvements Value: $
Capital Value: $
Area m2: 8.6Ha
Rating Notice:
Zone: Local Purpose Reserve Esplanade, Recreation, Fee Simple
Category C: Neighbourhood Open
Space
Figure 18: Burke St Beach Front Reserve – Aerial
View
Location and Current Site Plan
Burke Street Reserve is the site of the old Thames landfill. It
comprises 8.6Ha. Transfield hold a lease with TCDC for the
eastern end where the reserve meets Victoria Park.
The process of capping the landfill began in 2004 with
stock piling 30,000m3 to 40,000m3 of material for this
purpose.
As it was a landfill, no buildings are permitted to be
erected here. Full geotechnical and subsoil
environmental investigation if required before any
development could occur.
Burke Street Reserve has high recreation-amenity value
especially given its proximity to Victoria Park (a premium
waterside reserve) and that forms an extension to the
northernmost end of the Thames recreation zone
‘Greenstrip’.
Urban Development Strategy
The Strategy proposes two scenarios for development of
Burke St Reserve. The minimum scenario suggests
temporary use of the Reserve as a garden park for
recreation (in preparation for the maximum scenario).
The maximum scenario proposes the development of a
residential and recreation area with ‘fingers’ of housing
facing south towards Thames.
Ownership and Management of
Reserve:
TCDC
Buildings Owned By:
N/A
Current Leases:
Transfield Services Ltd
- 15 March 2010
- 1 year renewal (24 Jul 2012)
- $30,885+GST/annum
User Groups:
Casual recreational users
Dog exercise area
Facilities:
Nil
Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and
Facility Directions
The Mountain Biking Club expressed
interest in building a Pump Track at Burke
Street Reserve.
There is approximately 1km between
Burke Street Reserve and Moanataiari
Creek Road where the ‘Scarface’
mountain bike track is located.
Discussion regarding the proposed track
development centres around consent
issues and also best practice regarding
visibility of users and accessibility by all
facets of the bike community including
primary school aged children.
See Section 8.4 Aquatic Centre
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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6 LEISURE DIRECTIONS
6.1 LEISURE TRENDS
User pays increasing.
A decrease in volunteerism.
An increased demand by the consumer for choice, quality and service.
An increased health consciousness.
A value change – A greater self-focus rather than a community focus.
The growing gap between professional and social sport.
A growth in clubs, which are multi-functional, inter-active and social.
The increased growth in leisure for people aged over 30 years.
Greater demand for the development of new and different recreation opportunities
for older people.
Parents will continue to take a major lead as sports volunteers for junior sport.
However, major participation activities (e.g., large participation events) will be
organised by paid personnel.
A continuing role for most local authorities to be the principal providers of community
facilities.
6.2 KEY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Sports facility provision must be demand driven.
Smart use of existing facilities.
Don’t over-capitalise, i.e., don’t keep building more and more facilities, rather than
seeking to better use existing facilities and through smart design, optimise multifunctional use – less leisure venues of better quality which are multi-functional.
Develop collaborative strategies which add value for participating stakeholders.
“Activity breeds activity” – cross-activity benefit of a common location, plus fosters an
improved sense of community and social environment.
It is very important for young children to develop movement skills in all key disciplines,
including how to run and jump, ball skills, move (Gymnastics and dance). It is often
desirable for movement education activities to be co-located, i.e., to consider colocation of activities such as Gymnastics, Martial Arts and dance.
Any facility and service solution must be operationally sustainable – cannot be overly
reliant on grant funding.
A “Sportsville” leadership model cannot be created without adequate operating
revenue streams, with fair-share contributions by key stakeholders and optimising user
pays revenue when appropriate.
Any facility solution must be needed, affordable and sustainable
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
55
6.3 WHY AN OVERALL LEISURE PLAN AND WHY MASTER PLAN?
A leisure plan is essential for shared vision and planned future development for sports
and the venues they require.
Consideration should be given to developing sporting hubs where grounds and
services can be maximized by shared use (and parent travel between sports facilities
is potentially minimized).
Quality and consistent levels of support facilities can be determined and provided to
cater for different levels of competition, i.e. Club versus District versus Sub Regional
Attraction of major events to the District is important for economic and sport
outcomes.
Funding decisions by community funding agencies and Council are likely to be more
consistent, and indeed achievable, if based on a District leisure plan.
Maximizing shared use of facilities is a key objective in order to increase revenue
opportunities and reduce under utilisation.
Short term solutions should be part of a longer term planned solution.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
56
7 SPORTS FACILITY DIRECTIONS
7.1 LESS LEISURE VENUES OF BETTER QUALITY, WHICH ARE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
Thames’ principal sports venues are currently Rhodes Park, Thames High School (by virtue of
being a secondary school, plus with its existing indoor gymnasium), Taipiri Park (with
Centennial Pool and Skate Park), Victoria Park (catering for Croquet, Tennis and Squash).
Danby Field and Porritt Park are also important (potential) leisure venues, providing centrally
located grass field areas with a popular playground.
‘Secondary’ sports venues (i.e., venues whose first purpose is not sport, and/or are not the first
venue choice for a sport) include Thames War Memorial Civic Centre and Kauaeranga
Valley Christian Camp gymnasium.
As stated previously, to create cross-activity benefits and to assist to optimise revenue and
cost efficiencies, it is desirable to have less leisure venues of better quality and well designed,
which are multi-functional.
The indoor court, Rhodes Park development, Skate Park and Aquatic Centre are discussed in
separate sections.
On reviewing all current sports’ needs, specific discussion of these specific sport facility
requirements, the consultant team currently recommends the following core directions:
Rhodes Park further consolidated as the principal outdoor grass field participation
venue for the Thames Ward with a clubrooms redevelopment (and demolition of the
existing grandstand and current Rugby clubrooms), and to cater for Rugby, Football,
Touch and Cricket, and to also continue to provide an outdoor Netball venue. In the
Outer Reserve, to also continue to cater for motorcycling (with potential for track
expansion) and clay target shooting, and the option to provide a bike pump track.
Thames High School to be the principal indoor court and ‘movement centre’ venue,
with the development of a further full-sized indoor Netball court (as the largest court
used as a size descriptor only). This 2-court venue to cater for all indoor court sports,
including Basketball, Badminton, an increased level of indoor Netball, the future
development of Volleyball and Indoor Soccer/Futsal; and to be the home for
Gymnastics and Martial Arts (Kiaido Ryu) – complementary with the ‘movement
centre’ concept, Athletics to also continue to be based at Thames High School, with
the option for indoor ‘Team Athletics’.
Victoria Park, which is a quality passive amenity, to remain the venue for Croquet,
Tennis and Squash, plus with the option to develop a future Aquatic Centre in the
Burke Street Reserve, and hence further consolidate sport and recreation activity into
this greater area.
Specialist clubrooms or facilities would remain status quo for Sailing, Bowls and
Mountain-Biking at their current respective venues, with the option to also develop on
a cost effective basis an evening/weekend outdoor cycling circuit at Kopu industrial
area.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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7.2 CURRENT AND FUTURE VENUE DIRECTIONS BY SPORT
Table 30: Current and Future Venue Directions by Sport
CURRENT AND FUTURE VENUE DIRECTIONS BY SPORT
Sport
Current Venues
Future Venues
Athletics
Thames High School
Status Quo
Badminton
Principally Thames High School, also Thames Civic Centre
Thames High School only – expanded activity
Basketball
Thames High School
Status Quo
Bowling
Thames Bowling Club
Status Quo
Clay Target
Rhodes Park Outer Reserve
Status Quo
Cricket
Rhodes Park
Status Quo
Croquet
Victoria Park
Status Quo
Fitness Centre
Split locations – Jellicoe Road for weights/cardio, Rhodes Park for Status Quo for now. Possible option to consolidate at
aerobics
Rhodes Park or alternatively with Aquatic Centre
Football
Rhodes Park. Also Danby Field
Status Quo
Gymnastics
Thames High School
Status Quo – expanded activity
Harriers
Meeting point Centennial Pool
Status Quo
Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts NZ
Thames Civic Centre
Relocate to Thames High School
Motor Cycle
Rhodes Park
Status Quo with track development
Mountain Biking
Scarface (Moana Taiari Creek Road)
Status Quo. Develop pump track at either Rhodes Park or
Burke Street
Netball
Rhodes Park. Premier Netball indoors on Friday nights at
Increased level of Netball practice and competition indoors
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp
at Thames High School. Also retain Rhodes Park
Rugby
Rhodes Park
Rhodes Park – revised Clubrooms redevelopment
Sailing
Status Quo
Clubrooms at Tararu Road
Squash
Swimming
Victoria Park
Centennial Pool, Thames High School Pool
Tennis
Touch Rugby
Triathlon and Cycling
Victoria Park
Rhodes Park
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
Status Quo
Future Aquatic Centre development, on phased basis, either
at Danby Field or Burke Street Reserve
Status Quo
Status Quo
Possible evening/weekend outdoor circuit development at
Kopu industrial area
58
7.3 PROPOSED FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
Because of the protracted development timeframe, and the low cost of this project, subject
to resolving all site issues at Porritt Park, for positive community momentum proceed
immediately with the fundraising and development of the Skate Park.
The Rhodes Park grandstand is unsafe. A decision needs to be made whether this
grandstand is closed for safety reasons, and in turn demolished.
To achieve collective community buy-in, recommend proceed with the fundraising and
project development of both the new indoor stadium and Rhodes Park club redevelopment
in tandem. However, from recent further discussions with Council, to minimize the impact on
rates of Council’s contribution to these projects, the Skate Park and indoor stadium will
probably need to proceed in advance of the Rhodes Park Club development.
These 3 projects are an achievable goal for the community in the next 6 years, and given the
past history for these projects, believe for community self-belief and forward progress, it is so
important that this time, full Council support is given to these projects.
The Aquatic Centre has a major capital and operating cost implication and the consultant
team recommends the final scope of the Aquatic Centre needs to be a District-wide
decision, if not a sub-Regional decision. The greater Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki
Districts justify one quality indoor aquatic facility with multiple water spaces to cater for all
markets (leisure, fitness/competitive, Learn-to-Swim, health and therapy). This is an issue
which needs to be fully debated and resolved by the total catchment community, and in
turn will dictate whether Thames is the venue for this sub-Regional indoor Aquatic Centre, or
continues to provide aquatic facilities at the current level of service provision (possibly with
an additional indoor Learn-to-Swim pool). Due to plant failure and/or political will, there may
be a desire to at least replace the existing facility at a new location earlier. Consequently,
the consultant team has prepared aquatic capital cost estimates on a phased basis,
allowing a core facility to be developed and later expanded as required.
Table 31: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward
PROPOSED SPORTS FACILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THAMES WARD
(All figures are GST exclusive)
Project Description
Suggested Timing
Estimated Cost ($000s)
(at today’s prices)
Skate Park
2013-14
220
Indoor Stadium (at Thames High School)
2014-16
4,400
Rhodes Park Club Redevelopment
2015-18
2,600
TOTAL
7,220
Future Aquatic Centre Development
To be determined – currently
anticipate 2020 onwards
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8 FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
8.1 SKATE PARK
8.1.1 NEED AND CHALLENGES
There is no question the Skate Park is needed. As previously stated, the development of
Thames Skate Park has had a very protracted history, and the existing Skate Park needs to
discontinue, as its current site at Taipari Park is an historic urupa and wahi tapu site.
To solve the Skate Park, the key issue is securing a suitable site – the land title, planning, water
table and archaeological issues for many land areas in Thames can often be challenging.
The issue is not funding - previous funding has been secured and handed back. Thames
Community Board has currently assigned $80,500 in the 2013/14 year for a Skate Park, Zoom
Zone has agreed to lead the fundraising, and Thames Rotary Club has also recently
indicated support to assist with the fundraising.
8.1.2 SITE FACTORS AND DESIGN
It is important any Skate Park is located in a highly visible area, and it is often desirable that a
Skate Park is co-located with a playground area, providing the benefit of more regular adult
presence in the adjacent area.
It is also important a Skate Park is well designed. There are few specialist Skate Park designers
in New Zealand – Jason Parkes, with whom the Thames community has had past liaison, is
one of these designers. From discussion with Jason, a generally flat area with dimensions of
about 15m x 40m is needed.
8.1.3 PORRITT PARK PREFERRED SITE
SGL and BGBB Team Architects considered the Skate Park location as part of its full leisure
venue revenue. Porritt Park was favoured for the following reasons:
Highly visible site/good surveillance/security.
Co-located with existing playground and public toilets.
Proximity to CBD and retail outlets.
Walkway/cycleway link.
Future growth provision (by the relocation of the Citizen Band Rooms).
Existing car parking.
The potential negatives for the site were ensuring all legal, planning and archaeological
issues could be satisfactorily addressed, plus iwi support gained. The area is a pre-1900 site,
and Ngati Maru has a claim of wahi tapu over some of this area. Consultation with Ngati
Maru is underway including discussion on an alternative Skate Park location immediately
north of the existing playground area, adjacent to the paddleboat at Porritt Park.
None of these issues per se are insurmountable, but need to be methodologically worked
through. Also, the water table in this area is high and may be affected by tides, so an inground skate bowl is likely to be unsuitable due to hydrostatic uplift pressures and complexity
of rainwater drainage.
Also please note as part of the master planning for Danby Park/Porritt Park as a possible
future Aquatic Centre location, the wider impacts of the Skate Park in the proposed location
has been considered, i.e., there are no detrimental impacts.
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8.1.4 YOUTH WORKSHOP FEEDBACK
From a workshop discussion in May 2013 by the consultant team with youth workers from
Population Health and CAPS Hauraki, and older and younger members of the Skate Park
leadership group, Skatepark Revolution Crew, there was support for the Porritt Park location.
The Skate Park needed to cater for skateboards, scooters and bikes. The group also
expressed the importance of being able to expand the Skate Park in the future. Discussion
occurred whether the Band Hall could either be relocated or become a possible community
and youth support venue in the future. Jason Parkes was endorsed as the designer.
8.1.5 CURRENT SITE PLAN AND COST ESTIMATE
BGBB Team Architects has prepared a draft site plan. BGBB has also revised the project cost
upwards to $220,500 (which includes the feasibility and preparatory design work to date), but
note this cost currently excludes resource consent costs, full geotechnical investigation if
required, nor alterations to the wider site (e.g., streetscapes works). This full cost estimate is
provided below.
SKATE PARK COST ESTIMATE
(Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013)
All figures are GST exclusive
Description
Cost Explanatory Notes
Skate Park Design and Construction (Design/Build)
Sum
Professional Fees: Feasibility and Concept Design
Sum
Professional Fees: Topographical survey, prelim
Estimated
geotech, archaeologist, funding, project management,
RMA planning (traffic and noise assessment)
Resource Consent and Building Consent Fees
Estimate
Project Contingency
@ 10%
TOTAL
Estimate ($)
130,000
20,000
42,500
7,500
20,000
220,500
Exclusions
Full Geotechnical and subsoil environmental investigation if required.
Resource Consent hearings and other notified proceedings if required.
Urban and streetscape works incl lighting.
Carpark alterations/expansions.
Alterations to existing playground.
Upgrade and maintenance works to existing structures, e.g., paddleboat.
Legal and survey costs associated with title boundary adjustments.
8.1.6 OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND DEPRECIATION
Recommend the Skate Park is directly owned and managed by Council.
Based on a 20 year life, Council needs to determine whether it fully depreciates (100%) the
Skate Park, or whether depreciation is based on say future Council funding of 50%, i.e., on a
straight-line basis, depreciation of either $11,000 or $5,500 per year.
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8.1.7 CURRENT WORK PROGRAMME
The following steps are currently being taken:
i.
Requested TCDC Senior Planner, Andrea Griffiths, to provide a preliminary planning
assessment
ii.
Requested TCDC Legal Advisor, Paul Davis, for a title and legal assessment – to ensure
no land ownership issues
iii.
Preliminary liaison has occurred with NZ Historic Places Trust. NZHPT advised the area
was a pre-1900 site and may require archaeological assessment, pursuant to the
outcome of current consultation with Ngati Maru
iv.
As stated above, NZHPT advised Ngati Maru has a claim of wahi tapu over some of
this area. TCDC Thames & Coromandel Area Manager, Greg Hampton, is liaising with
David Taipiri re Ngati Maru wahi tapu and any Treaty issues
v.
Jason Parkes, Premium Skate Park Designs Ltd, has completed an initial concept
design for the Park and visited Thames to present this concept to a Skate Park Group,
including members of the Skate Park Revolution Crew. The concept was well
received, but subsequent design work has been put on hold until items i., ii., and iv.
have been completed.
8.1.8 PRELIMINARY PLANNING COMMENTARY BY TCDC SENIOR PLANNER,
ANDREA GRIFFITHS
(as per e-correspondence to BGBB Team Architects, 26 June 2013)
“I note the following points that relate to the site in terms of the Operative District Plan zones
and information:
The Skate Park is proposed to be located in the Recreation Passive Zone, with a small portion
of it likely to be located in the Town Centre (Outside All Policy Areas) Zone and the Open
Space Zone.
vi.
The Skate Park will be located within a ponding area.
vii.
The site has been identified as containing a Heritage building. This actually relates to
the Plunket Room buildings, which use to be located next to the Band Hall and has
now been relocated off the site.
viii.
There are a lot of storm-water utility services and pipes running through the site (note,
by locating the Skate Park to the north of the existing playground will avoid in-ground
services)
ix.
There is an archaeological site located in the vicinity of the property and there are
historical links between iwi and this area. Therefore it is recommended consultation is
undertaken with the Ngati Maru and New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
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In relation to whether a resource consent is required or not and what standards apply,
please refer to the following points:
i.
The proposal for a new Skate Park would be classified as an Informal Recreation
Activity in the Recreation Passive Zone and the Open Space Zone. An informal
recreation activity is permitted in these Zones.
ii.
In the Town Centre (Outside All Policy Areas) Zone the proposal is classified as a NonResidential Service and Facility, which is a Permitted Activity in this Zone however any
buildings associated with the proposal would require a resource consent as a
controlled activity, provided the relevant standards are met.
iii.
All earthworks associated with the proposal are required to meet the permitted
activity standards, which allow a maximum volume of 250m3, over a maximum area
of 250m2, with a face height not exceeding 1.5m, and all works to be undertaken
within 3 months. If these rules can’t be met, then a resource consent will be required.
iv.
Earthworks within a ponding area require a resource consent application as a NonComplying Activity.
v.
Having looked at how the Skate Park in Tairua was assessed, the project will also need
to meet the noise standards of the District Plan, which are 50 L10 DBA in the day and
40 L10 DBA at night.
vi.
Vehicle parking and traffic effects will need to be addressed. Also need to identify if
any vegetation will be cleared and will need to meet the relevant standards of the
District Plan.
The Tairua Skate Park applied for consent for the earthworks and noise. In this case you will
be required to obtain a consent for the earthworks in a ponding area and will need to
demonstrate compliance with the earthworks, noise, parking and vegetation clearance
standards, otherwise consent will also need to be obtained for these aspects as well.”
8.1.9 RECOMMENDATION
Recommend subject to satisfactory resolution of the above site issues, that a Skate Park
proceed in the Porritt Park location in the next 12 month period (2013/14), based on a
budget of $220,500, and a total contribution by the Thames Community Board towards the
Skate Park cost of $80,500 (including feasibility and preparatory design work to date).
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8.2 INDOOR CENTRE
8.2.1 NEED
Thames has 3 indoor court facilities, each with a single indoor court and each having a
variety of limitations.
The Thames High School gymnasium court has limited run-off. It is available for community
use outside school hours and is a popular choice for sports clubs. Current estimated school
use is approximately 1,000 court hours per year, and current estimated community use
(outside school day) is 700 per year, with the major users being Basketball, Badminton and
Gymnastics.
For any school-based facility to work as a dual community-school facility, it needs to be
based on the school boundary for ease of community access (and for after-hours school
security), and access and amenities must also give consideration to dual community and
school use. The Thames High School gymnasium is based on the School boundary, i.e.,
currently borders Rolleston Street, and there are good options to create car parking across
the road and at the end of a new gymnasium (about 50 car parks in total).
The Thames War Memorial Civic Centre is an undersized indoor court with limited run-off and
ceiling height. Only 24% of 1818 booking hours for the total Centre’s use is sport (including
fitness and dance), and this sports activity is principally the martial art, Kiaido Ryu. The Civic
Centre Auditorium has a performance stage, and this Centre is well suited and centrally
located to continue to provide this function. It’s noted, that an alternative information
technology and education function has been mooted for this facility, but understand this
concept is in its infancy.
At first observation, one would think that the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp gymnasium
would have a greater level of community utilisation. However, the reality is its first purpose is
to cater for the camp user, and the rural access road 6km out of town is a real barrier to
utilisation (children must access by car – not safe to cycle). This gymnasium is currently the
venue for Premier Netball on Friday nights. The consultant team tested with many user
groups whether they would be prepared to use this facility more. In all cases, because it was
regarded as out of town on a winding and dark road after 5:00pm. On winter nights, there
was a reluctance to use this facility for junior sport. It works well for a weekend daytime
competition, such as Kiaido Ryu, but not for regular week night practice and competition for
all sports.
A co-located 2-court facility also provides the opportunity for Thames to host age group
regional sports competitions for all indoor sports, which means local teams don’t need to
travel and attracts players with parents to Thames, and for 2-day competitions some teams
would stay overnight.
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8.2.2 FUTURE DIRECTION
Recommend a new Thames High School to be the principal indoor court and ‘movement
centre’ venue, with the development of a further full-sized indoor Netball court (as the
largest court used as a size descriptor only).
This 2-court venue to cater for all indoor court sports, including Basketball, Badminton, an
increased level of indoor Netball, the future development of Volleyball and indoor
soccer/Futsal; and to be the home for Gymnastics and Martial Arts (Kiaido Ryu) –
complementary with the ‘movement centre’ concept, Athletics to also continue to be
based at Thames High School, with the option for indoor ‘Team Athletics’.
To effectively cater for Gymnastics, to help avoid setting up and taking down the heaviest
gear, create a dedicated 100m2 space for Gymnastics equipment (with a 5.5m ceiling
height), with a co-located Gymnastics/multi-purpose walk-in storage area of about 50m2. It
is proposed the existing gymnasium, together with these spaces, would be the regular
Gymnastics venue. Furthermore, it is also proposed the existing gym would be the principal
venue for Kiaido Ryu.
New changing rooms, administration area and specific storage to be provided as part of the
new gymnasium facilities. The flexibility for separate community and school amenities and
for some separate storage for all key user groups is important for the effective multifunctional use of this new Centre. The facility design also deliberately provides for separate
and ready access from the School side, and road-side access for the community.
As part of consolidating all indoor sport activity at this one venue, recommend the Thames
Civic Centre does not continue to cater for sports activities.
The Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp to remain foremost a camp venue, and an overspill
facility and/or a training camp/potential residential competition venue when needed and
available. Suggest the future leadership entity for the 2-indoor court facility form an effective
future working relationship with the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp.
Based on the above directions, SGL has developed a zero-based future utilisation profile for
this 2-court facility.
It should be noted SGL’s previous Report (2009) was based on Global Leisure figures for
indoor court hour utilisation. For this Report, SGL has methodically documented all user
information, and built this utilisation model from the ‘bottom up’. Largely conservative
growth projections have been made, with this growth projection resulting from either
increased space availability and/or management capability.
It is usual to expect 1,500 or more court hours per court annually. The utilisation model
projects 3,334 court hours annually, which clearly justifies the need for this new indoor court.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Table 32: Projected Sports Hall Utilisation and Revenue
PROJECTED SPORTS HALL UTILISATION AND REVENUE
Project Court Hours Based on Potential
Sport
Badminton
Basketball
Dance
Fitness
Futsal
Gymnastics
Holiday Programmes
Kiaido Ryu
Misc Community
Netball
School (daytime use)
Volleyball
Total
Projected Utilisation Total
30
Current
173
202
40
69
90
315
105
40
1,000
2,034
20%
208
242
48
83
108
33
378
126
48
1,200
2,441
40%
242
283
56
97
126
441
147
56
1,400
2,848
60%
277
323
64
110
144
504
168
64
1,600
3,254
80%
311
364
72
124
162
567
189
72
1,800
3,661
Projected Revenue Based on Current Court Hours by New Hire Rate of
$21.74/hour (GST exclusive)
100%
346
404
80
138
32
80
180
180
630
210
80
2,000
80
4,408
Sum shaded cells: 3,334 hours***
Current
3,761
4,391
870
1,500
1,957
6,848
2,283
870
22,479
20%
4,513*
5,270
1,04431
1,800
2,087
2,348
8,218
2,739
1,044
2,087
26,975
40%
5,265
6,148
1,217
2,100
2,435
2,739
9,587
3,196
1,217
2,435
31,471
60%
6,018
7,026**
1,391
2,400
2,783
3,131
10,957
3,652
1,391
2,783
35,967
80%
6,770
7,905
1,565
2,700
3,131
3,522
12,327
4,109
1,565
3,131
40,462
100%
7,522
8,783
1,739
3,000
1,739
3,913
3,913
13,696
4,565
1,739
1,739
52,350
Sum shaded cells: $32,049
Assumptions
1. Reduced projected revenue to reflect increase in non fee paying Thames High School after school sport activity (**Basketball -50% and *Badminton -33%)
2. “Current Revenue” based on proposed rate of $21.74/hour
3. “Chargeable Court Hours” for revenue calculation Total 3334 – School daytime use 1,600 = 1,734
Summation of utilisation from Thames High School, Thames Civic Centre, Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp
Formulae: Projected Hours x Hire Rate (e.g. 48 x $21.74 = $1,044)
32 Dark Blue: New programme estimated utilisation/revenue
33 Light Blue: Projected increase in utilisation/revenue with new facility
30
31
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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8.2.3 OPERATING MODEL
(All figures are GST exclusive, unless stated otherwise)
Revenue
A conservative level of 1,734 chargeable court hours per year has been used as the
basis for court hire revenue (for calculation, see Assumptions note Table 32).
Prices have been set at $25 (GST inclusive) per hour for community use. Although
many community groups currently pay less than this (e.g. Kiaido Ryu $18/hour and
school hirers $21.50), this is inexpensive compared to many other communities, and
note, this charge will apply in 3 years time. Also to assist transition, in the interim
period suggest the Civic Centre and School Gym charge have small increases.
Vending machine income is based on net margin of 10% achieved from an
estimated 30% of all users throughout the year spending $1 each.
Expenses
Based on Thames High School continuing to meet all operating costs for the existing
gymnasium, including normal operating costs, insurance and all maintenance, but
forfeits any community revenue. In turn, no charge to apply for Thames High School
utilisation of both gymnasiums on a fair basis, i.e., as a minimum no charge during the
school day, nor for after school practices for school teams up to 5:00p.m., on
weekdays. Please note, after school bookings to be fairly assigned to both school
and community users, but if no charge for school use, to not significantly negatively
impact on the financial viability of the Centre.
Similarly, based on Thames-Coromandel District Council meeting the insurance and
long term maintenance costs for the new gymnasium.
A low cost management model to operate, with no separately employed reception
or booking staff, as this function will be done by Thames High School at their cost (as
part of their overall operating contribution). However, provision for a part time
administrative person to support this process has been included.
Power costs have been set on the basis that the climate is temperate in Thames and
heating requirements will be low. Assumes community showers to be metered (for
energy control).
Note, comparison with past operating costs for the High School gymnasium such as
cleaning at $2,500 per year, maintenance at $2,000 per year, and power at $2,500
per year on average (based on 2009 figures, with 25% loading).
Table 33: Projected Financial Performance for Future 2 Indoor Court Gymnasium
Based At Thames High School
PROJECTED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR FUTURE 2 INDOOR COURT
GYMNASIUM BASED AT THAMES HIGH SCHOOL
Annual Revenue
38,858
Annual Expenditure
47,776
Net Surplus/Deficit (before depreciation)
(8,918 )
Note, costs directly met by TCDC and Thames High School as per the operating model
described above are not included in these figures.
In summary, an annual operating grant of approximately $10,000 will be additionally required
from TCDC to operate this facility.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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Table 34: Indoor Centre Operating Model for Future 2 Indoor Court Gymnasium
Based At Thames High School
INDOOR CENTRE OPERATING MODEL
$
Revenue
Gymnasium Hire
32,049
Vending Machine Income
3,000
Shower Meters
1,809
TCDC (for insurance, rates/Council charges and LTM
provision for new gymnasium)
THS (for insurance and all maintenance for existing
gymnasium)
Grants
Total Revenue
Expenses
Accounting and Audit
Advertising
Bank Fees
Cleaning Materials (for 1-court)
Cleaning Wages
Compliance Costs
Computer Costs
Equipment Purchases
General Expenses
Insurance
Legal
Licences, Levies, Subscriptions
Maintenance (for 1-court)
Marketing and Promotions
Office Equipment
Postage, Print, Photocopying, Stationery
Power, Heating, Gas (for 1-court)
Programme Costs
Rates and Council Charges
Security
Staff Training
Telephone/Internet Costs
Uniforms
Vehicle Expenses
Wages - Administration
Water
TOTAL
Surplus/Deficit
2,000
38,858
3,500
600
800
8,736
2,000
2,000
1,000
500
4,000
1,200
500
1,800
6,000
1,200
1,800
2,400
6,240
3,500
47,776
8,918
Assumptions:
Wages Admin: 52 weeks x 4 hours/week x $25 per hour x 1.2 = $6,240
Wages Cleaning: 52 weeks x 7 hours/week x $20 per hour x 1.2 = $8,736
Shower Meters: 52 weeks x 20 showers/week x $2 per shower / 1.15 = $1,809
Vending Income: 3334 hours x average 30 people x 0.3 buy x 0.1 net margin = $3000
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8.2.4 INDOOR CENTRE DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATE
INDOOR CENTRE COST ESTIMATE
(Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013)
All figures are GST exclusive
Description
Cost Explanatory Notes
NEW STRUCTURE
2
2
Gymnasium (timber sports floor, 8.3m clear height over
890m @ $2,000/m
court, side court seating/warm up area)
2
2
Foyer
39m @ $2,200/m
2
2
Change
81m @ $2,500/m
2
2
Office/Meeting (including kitchenette)
30m @ $2,500/m
2
2
Store Rooms
60m @ $1,500m
2
2
Circulation
68m @ $2,200/m
Allowance for foundations where ground bearing capacity
Sum
poor
Sub Total
EXISTING STRUCTURE
2
2
New Gymnastics Room (Rubberised sports floor, 5.5m ceiling 100m @ $2,000/m
height)
2
2
New Multipurpose/Gymnastics Store
50m @ $1,800/m
Alterations to accommodate new structures
Sum
Structural Upgrade (no DEE completed)
Est
Fire Alarm Upgrade
Sum
Sub Total
EXTERNAL WORKS
2
2
Car Parking 1
540m @ $110/m
2
2
Car Parking 2
990m @ $110/m
Site Services
Sum
Landscaping/Paving
Sum
Sub Total
TOTAL 1
Professional Fees: Feasibility and Concept Design
Sum
Professional Fees: Detailed Design Documentation, Project
@16%
Funding and Leadership
Consent Fees
Est
Project Contingency
@10%
TOTAL 2
OTHER COSTS
Relocation of Classrooms
4 @ $25k/unit
Sum
Associated Services and Access Works
Sum
Associated Paving and Landscaping
Sub Total
Professional Fees @ 10%
Consent Fees
FF&E (Furniture, Fittings and Equipment)
Sum
Sub Total
FULL PROJECT TOTAL
Estimate $
1,780,000
85,800
202,500
75,000
90,000
149,600
150,000
2,532,900
200,000
90,000
50,000
50,000
7,500
397,500
59,400
108,900
50,000
50,000
268,300
3,198,700
20,000
511,800
25,000
319,900
4,055,400
100
75,000
50,000
225,000
22,500
7,500
50,000
80,000
4,400,000
Exclusions
Resource Consent and associated costs if required.
Removal of asbestos or other contaminated materials.
Site services infrastructure upgrades if required.
Sprinkler fire protection to new and existing structures.
Footpath development and associated urban and streetscape works.
Car park lighting.
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8.2.5 TREATMENT OF DEPRECIATION AND ADDRESSING FUTURE FACILITY
REPLACEMENT COSTS
The new indoor court development upgrade has an estimated capital cost of $4.4 million.
Therefore, based on a 40 year lifespan, the straight-line annual depreciation is $110,000.
When one considers facility replacement, one should consider the likely funding profile,
which will occur when it is replaced, i.e., for this type of community facility, where Council is
effectively funding about 55%-60%, it is reasonable to assume that a similar funding
environment may operate at the time of facility replacement.
For any community facility, all Councils need to consider how they treat depreciation.
Suggest Council does need to consider whether it sets aside any annual funding provision for
the eventual future replacement of this facility. One option could be to introduce a
depreciation provision after say 10 years, and depreciate for up to the future expected
Council proportion of any facility replacement cost.
8.2.6 LEASE, OWNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE MODEL
For the Indoor Centre based at Thames High School, recommend:
In the draft July 2013 Report, SGL then proposed a long-term nominal lease for the
new gymnasium with a community entity. There are many precedents within NZ
where Council funds are transferred to community-owned entities, e.g. Hutt City and
Leisure Facilities Trust – how this occurs always needs specific funding, legal and tax
consideration, what is the best way to do. SGL initially advocated community
ownership of Indoor Court to avoid any direct depreciation responsibility by TCDC, by
community ownership to foster self-help by community stakeholders to fund future
major maintenance, and to treat Rhodes Park Clubrooms and Indoor Court similarly.
However, this direction was based on the assumption the Council contribution was to
be met by loan finance, and more specifically did not require the application of
depreciation reserves. From subsequent discussions, to minimize rates impact it is
desirable to apply all available depreciation reserves to fund Council’s contribution.
The application of depreciation reserves is only possible if Council owns the facility.
Given the need to use depreciation reserves funding, therefore propose the new
indoor court is owned by Council, and that Council enters into a long-term land lease
with Thames High School/Ministry of Education.
By long term, Council seeks the longest possible lease term to protect its interest in the
facility, but understands any lease term may be constrained by resource consent
and/or subdivision requirements i.e., a resource consent is required for the project, if a
lease of above 35 years is proposed. From a project risk perspective, desirable not to
seek a resource consent.
If there is no depreciation provision, and as TCDC will now be the owner, recommend
TCDC makes provision for the long term maintenance of the new indoor court facility,
by setting aside funding in a maintenance reserve, which will then be available to
meet major maintenance costs. As the owner, TCDC is also responsible for insuring the
new indoor court facility. See separate section on treatment of depreciation and
addressing future facility replacement costs.
Recommend a new Charitable Trust is responsible for the future day-to-day
management of the indoor court facility. This Charitable Trust to include
representation from TCDC, Thames High School and community representation (see
sub-section below re Charitable Trust membership). The Charitable Trust to be
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responsible for managing the whole facility, with clearly agreed access rights for the
existing school gymnasium (by the community) and for the new gymnasium (by
Thames High School) to be mutually agreed.
Feedback from Ministry of Education
From previous discussions with the Ministry of Education, there were no concerns in principle
with the original legal framework proposed, i.e., where a new Charitable Trust owned the
new indoor court facility, and that the Charitable Trust entered into a long-term land lease
with the Ministry of Education.
From further recent discussions on 12 November 2013 by SGL with David Vincent, Regional
Property Advisor, Ministry of Education, the following feedback was received on the revised
legal structure, i.e., that the new indoor court facility is owned by Thames-Coromandel
District Council, and that Council has a long-term land lease with Thames High
School/Ministry of Education for the new indoor court facility:
The Ministry did not see any impediment to a long-term land lease by Council.
Further to previous discussions, based on past lease history, the Ministry of Education
would now desirably seek a discrete building for lease, i.e., gymnasiums can be
‘joined’ from a circulation perspective, but also able to be ‘separated’ (in a worst
case scenario, able to be removed).
In this recent discussion, SGL also questioned the desire not to seek a resource
consent for the new indoor court development, which then limited any potential
lease term to 35 years. Specifically, SGL and the Ministry discussed with a building life
of 50 years, what happens at the end of 35 years? Ministry of Education responded
pragmatically, that if Thames High School wanted a future funding partnership for any
future replacement facility, it would be sensible for parties to re-enter a new lease at
that time.
In summary, Ministry of Education saw no impediments to the revised directions
proposed, and indeed was very supportive to make work.
Charitable Trust Membership
Suggest a possible membership of the Charitable Trust, which would be responsible for the
governance and management of the whole indoor facility, could be as follows:
Two Trustees appointed by Thames Community Board/Thames-Coromandel District
Council.
Two Trustees appointed by Thames High School.
Two Trustees appointed by the community. A possible process for the appointment of
the community Trustees could be by election at the Trust’s AGM, with entitlement to
vote only provided to groups using the facility for more than a minimum period per
year. Also note, consideration could be given to assigning a higher number of votes
relative to the level of utilisation by the user group.
Power to co-opt up to two further Trustees as required.
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8.2.7 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommend that a new indoor court is developed at the Thames High School site within the
next 3-4 year period (2014-16), as detailed in this section, with the following key items noted:
a. The new development to include the equivalent of 1 full-sized Netball court, with
community change amenity, administration and storage; plus on the end of the
existing gymnasium to develop a dedicated 100m2 space able to be permanently
set up with Gymnastics equipment, together with a co-located Gymnastics/multipurpose walk-in storage area of about 50m2.
b. To consolidate indoor sports activity at 1 location, discontinue sports bookings at
Thames Civic Centre.
c. To be based on a total budget of $4.4 million with Council’s contribution to be
approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows a
$2.83 million (64%) funding contribution by Council).
d. To be able to use depreciation reserves and hence to minimize the rates impact on
Council’s capital contribution for this project, that Thames-Coromandel District
Council is the owner of the new indoor court, and enters into a long-term land lease
with the Thames High School/Ministry of Education.
e. To achieve a sustainable operating model, and now as the owner to protect its
interests, that Council meets the insurance and long term maintenance costs for the
new gymnasium only (all existing gymnasium costs to continue to be met by the
school), plus provides an annual operating grant of approximately $10,000. To also
note, that the future pricing model is currently based on $25 (GST inclusive) per court
hour.
f.
That a new charitable trust comprises of representatives appointed by the Thames
Community Board/TCDC, Thames High School and by the community be responsible
for the governance and management of the whole facility (both the new and the
existing gymnasium). This Trust to enter into a nominal sub-lease for the new
gymnasium with Thames-Coromandel District Council and a license to occupy for the
existing gymnasium with Thames High School/Ministry of Education.
g. Thames-Coromandel District Council needs to consider whether it sets aside any
annual funding provision for the eventual future replacement of this facility.
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8.3 RHODES PARK CLUBROOMS REDEVELOPMENT
8.3.1 NEED
Section 5.3, the Rhodes Park summary, fully documents the current facilities and utilisation:
The 4.5 Rugby fields and 2 Football fields are currently used for a total of 2,873 field
hours per year, with training accounting for 71% and competition games accounting
for 23% of this use. In summary, it has a high level of use during the winter months, but
it is significantly quieter over the summer. However, it is a clearly valued and proven
outdoor grass field venue for the greater Thames area,
The Netball centre includes 6 courts with the 2013 season fielding 21 senior and 25
junior teams – approximately 415 players. Netball and the current facilities
(clubrooms and courts) at Rhodes Park are in good heart. The trend for Netball in
New Zealand is to go increasingly indoors, but this outdoor centre will still continue to
be the main venue for Netball in Thames.
Both the grass fields and the Netball courts are venues of District significance.
The Outer Reserve also provides a valued and suitable area for other sports such as
motorcycling and clay target shooting.
So what are the challenges and needs?
The current 200 seat covered grandstand is about 70 years old and there are real structural
integrity and safety questions. A decision needs to be made whether this grandstand is
closed for safety reasons, and in turn demolished.
Thames Rugby & Sports Club previously prepared a new grandstand and clubrooms
concept plans. From SGL’s preliminary review this facility concept has an indicative cost of
$6.5 million, which realistically cannot be funded, given other community demands.
Consequently SGL fully reviewed how to more cost effectively achieve improved clubrooms,
with some terraced seating and indoor viewing for a number one ground, and how existing
facilities could be best utilised.
In summary, by moving the number one ground east, the existing Small-bore Rifle building
can be converted to provide 8 changing rooms, and enables a cost effective elevated
single story clubrooms, with uncovered seating for 160, for a total cost of approximately $2.6
million.
Note, the repositioning of the number one ground means a Cricket wicket needs to be
relocated. This revised development also assumes the existing Rugby clubrooms would be
demolished.
On reviewing the Rugby Club financials, the rental from the fitness centre buildings (at
Jellicoe Road and on-site) currently provides an important source of annual revenue, which
is important for the Club to retain. The net bar revenue, as a result of volunteer bar staff, is
also significant.
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8.3.2 FUTURE DIRECTION
Rhodes Park to be further consolidated as the principal outdoor grass field participation
venue for the Thames Ward with a clubrooms redevelopment (and demolition of the existing
grandstand), and to cater for Rugby, Football, Touch and Cricket, and to also continue to
provide an outdoor Netball venue. In the Outer Reserve, to also continue to cater for
Motorcycling (with potential for track expansion) and Clay Target Shooting, and the option
to provide a bike pump track.
8.3.3 CLUBROOMS DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATE
RHODES PARK COST ESTIMATE
(Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013)
All figures are GST exclusive
Description
Cost Explanatory Notes
Estimate $
NEW SPORTS CLUBROOMS
2
2
Sports Club Open Plan Social Space
270m @ $2,200/m
594,000
Operable Wall to divide off 90m2
Sum
40,000
2
2
Kitchen, Bar, Toilets, Administration
94m @ $2,500/m
235,000
Extra Allowance for Kitchen Fit-Out
Sum
50,000
Allowance for Loose Furniture
Sum
50,000
2
2
Covered Terrace
90m @ $1,250/m
112,500
2
2
Bleacher Seating (uncovered – approximately 160pax)
90m @ $1,250/m
112,500
Foundations – allowance for foundation walls and
Sum
100,000
earthworks to above flood level
Sub Total
1,294,000
NEW AMENITIES (EXISTING STRUCTURE)
2
2
Exterior Upgrade and Modifications to Accommodate New
300m @ $500/m
150,000
Change Rooms
2
2
New Change/Toilets/Shower Fit-Out
180m @ $1,500/m
270,000
2
2
New Verandah
75m @ $750/m
56,000
Sub Total
476,000
EXTERNAL WORKS
Site/External Works (including paving and new sports club
Sum
100,000
access
Site Services
Sum
75,000
2
2
Car Park (excavation, 150mm base course, loose chip
900m @ $25/m
22,500
dressing)
Sub Total
197,500
TOTAL 1
1,963,500
Professional Fees: Feasibility and Concept Design
Sum
10,000
Professional Fees: Design, Project Funding and Leadership
@ 12.5%
245,400
Consent Fees
Est
25,000
Project Contingency
@ 10%
196,400
TOTAL 2
2,440,300
OTHER COSTS
Demolition Existing Grandstand and Clubroom Structures
Estimate
75,000
and Clean-Up Sites for Return to Grass Field
No.1 Rugby Field Relocation
Sum
75,000
FULL PROJECT TOTAL
2,600,000
Exclusions
Resource Consent and associated costs.
Removal of asbestos or other contaminated materials as part of demolition works.
Site services infrastructure upgrades if required.
Upgrades or maintenance works to existing structures.
Upgrades to existing playing fields, courts and associated fixtures and equipment.
Upgrades to existing roading and car parks.
Bike Pump Track.
Alterations to cycleway route.
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8.3.4 OPERATION SUSTAINABILITY AND DEPRECIATION
The Thames Rugby and Sports Club currently services annual depreciation of approximately
$7,500 and currently has an annual operating surplus (including depreciation) ranging from
about $0 - $40,000.
Based on a 40 year lifespan for this $2.6 million facility development, the straight-line annual
depreciation is $65,000.
The financial performance of the new clubrooms this financial performance is unlikely to
materially change, so with a significantly increased depreciation requirement of
approximately $65,000, the Club will probably run an accounting loss of approximately
$20,000- $60,000 per year.
The Club should be encouraged to try and operate an annual cash surplus of $30,000 or
above and to set aside approximately $30,000 per year (50% of its depreciation cost) into a
long-term maintenance/capital improvement fund.
8.3.5 OWNERSHIP, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Thames Rugby & Sports Club is a registered Incorporated Society and an effectively run club.
If the Council contribution can be funded without depreciation reserves, recommend that
the Club should be the future owner and manager of the new clubrooms, but as part of its
responsibility in receiving significant Council capital funding, and to optimise other public
funding, it is very important that the future Club has a very genuine and real multi-sport role,
i.e., that one of its primary objectives is to provide clubroom facilities for all users at Rhodes
Park on an equitable and fair basis.
Too often when public funding has been provided to a single sports club, the right noises
have been made at the outset regarding an equitable commitment to multi-purpose use,
but after the clubrooms have opened, in too many cases the clubrooms has been operated
for the benefit of the single sport only.
If Council endorses this proposed direction, suggest liaison occurs with the Thames Rugby &
Sports Club, and agreement is reached regarding how the new clubrooms can equitably
operate for the benefit of all Rhodes Park users, including Rugby, Football, Cricket and other
users. This may require some amendments to its constitution, such as a minimum level of
representation from other sports clubs on the Management Committee, equitable Annual
General Meeting voting rights, etc.
It should be reiterated that the current Thames Rugby & Sports Club is operating well, and no
future model should create any disincentive for this to continue to occur.
8.3.6 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommend proceed with a new clubrooms redevelopment at Rhodes Park within the next
3-4 year period (2015-18), as detailed in this section with the following key items noted:
a. To provide an elevated, single storey, multi-purpose clubrooms catering for all grass
field users of the park, which will include uncovered seating for approximately 160
people, and by converting the current Small-bore Rifle building also provide 8
changing rooms.
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b. To be based on a total budget of $2.6 million with Council’s contribution to be
approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows a
$1.67 million (64%) funding contribution by Council).
c. If the Council contribution can be funded without depreciation reserves, that the
Thames Rugby and Sports Club should be the future owner/manager of the new
clubrooms, but as part of receiving significant Council and public capital funding,
that one of its primary objectives will be to provide clubroom facilities for all users at
Rhodes Park on an equitable and fair basis. It is noted this may require some
amendments to its constitution to fully reflect this role.
d. The Club should be encouraged to set aside approximately $30,000 per year (50% of
its depreciation cost) into a long-term maintenance/capital improvement fund.
8.4 AQUATIC CENTRE
8.4.1 AQUATIC AND LEISURE FACILITY TRENDS
The information draws from a review of a large sample of industry market research projects
that have been carried out over the past five years to assist in defining aquatic and indoor
facility and related leisure trends.
SGLs extensive experience in the development of aquatic and leisure facilities knows they
usually become a highly emotive and public interest debate and usually organised formal
groups (specialist users of pools) may dominate consultation processes whilst the general
resident/casual and recreation user (highest user of pools) sometimes is not involved or
heard.
In many cases when a Council is faced with developing or redeveloping an aquatic facility
the debate about the right components for the community it is to serve may at times be
dominated by:
The priority for long course competition, lap swimming and training facilities (50m or
25m lap pools) sometimes at the expense of not including or building multi-use high
use viable water areas as well.
Lack of a co-coordinated strategy for other existing pools in the project area and user
catchment zones so there is not duplication of the same thing in the same user zones.
Lack of knowledge on user markets and why and how people use pools and what
they pay for the different user categories. Participation trends usually show only a
small user market use pools for swimming up and down in whilst people usually come
more often to pools for recreation, fun, enjoyment, socialization, education and
therapy.
Not learning from other facilities built that have only developed limited water areas.
Not ensuring all user markets are a priority so that a mix of water areas become an
essential part of a successful aquatic leisure centre design brief.
Leisure and Aquatic Trends that Impact on Leisure Facilities
The following summary of general leisure trends impacting on people and their demand for
recreation, sport and leisure activities and in particular aquatic facilities has been developed
using a range of aquatic facility feasibility documents.
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General Leisure trends impacting on aquatic leisure facilities design, facility components and
user attraction include:
A gradual aging of the population. As life expectancy increases, birth rates stay low
and the “baby boomers” of the 1950s and 1960s grow older. This is placing a new
demand on providing programmed hotter water areas as well as pools suitable for
therapy and older adult exercises. It also means it is essential to have a range of
pools with different water depths and temperatures.
Flexibility in the times when people recreate. As demands on people’s time increases
and work practices change people are seeking to take their recreation at different
times, over a broad spread of hours and at facilities that offer a lot of activities under
the one roof. Indoor pools and health and fitness facilities are particularly attractive
and getting easier to use as many are open 12 to 16 hours, 7 days a week.
Increased variety in recreation and leisure options. People’s leisure and recreation
options are changing towards newer more varied activities offered over a greater
range of timeframes compared to previous decades where limited variety in activities
and scheduling occurred. This has supported the trend to more multi-use facilities to
attract a broader range of users as well as multiple water areas to meet different
needs at the one centre.
Constraints to recreation and leisure participation. Lack of time, lack of facilities close
by, family and work constraints, health problems and cost of service for use of
facilities are the main constraints to many people’s recreation and leisure
participation. The development of targeted markets of users, programmes and
services at aquatic and health and fitness centres has assisted in reducing some of
these participation constraints.
Changing employment structures, trading and work hours. These trends often makes
participation in traditional sports difficult and therefore people are looking for facilities
that are open longer hours and have a lot of activity options at the one site. This
makes opportunities such as indoor pools attractive as their long opening hours and
days open means usage can be made in a wide range of social, training,
competition, educational settings.
Provision of high standards and quality of facilities and services. People are looking
for high standard, high quality facilities and services to meet their recreation and
leisure needs. This has also seen the trend for indoor facilities becoming very popular
as they allow activity in safe and secure spaces in all weather and environmental
conditions. This leads to indicating that building low standard, low cost facilities will
not attract the maximum user market.
Desire for activities to be affordable. The development of multi-purpose aquatic
leisure centres has enabled the high operating cost activity of aquatics (in many
cases) to be cross-subsidised by more profitable activity areas such as health and
fitness, food and beverage and entertainment areas. This has enabled many facilities
to keep general entry fees low to encourage use whilst seeking users who want
special services to contribute at a greater level to the cost of such activities.
Recognition of strong links between physical activity and health. Preventative health
care and active lifestyles are very important to many people’s aquatic and health
and fitness activities are becoming a large part of people’s activity choices.
Expectations of equity and access. Today’s society expects people with special
needs to be catered for in public aquatic and leisure facilities. This has seen
improved design features to increase accessibility to and within such facilities.
Added to this is the growing array of programmes and activities offered to people of
all different abilities, physical condition and skill levels.
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8.4.2 GENERAL AQUATIC FACILITY TRENDS
The main general aquatic facility trends that can impact on selection of high use activity
components are detailed in the following graphic.
Successful Facilities Model
LEISURE & ADVENTURE
FITNESS & EDUCATION
Indoor water play complex
Free form play pools
Adventure rides and pools
Competition/training pools
Learn to Swim pools
Spa/saunas
Club/association facilities
SUCCESSFUL FACILITIES
KEY COMPONENTS TO
MEET MAIN USER
MARKETS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Gym and
Exercise studios
Massage/Beauty Treatments
Warm water programme pools
HOSPITALITY
Training and programme rooms
Meeting/social facilities
Café and merchandising
Figure 19: Successful Facilities Model
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Main User Markets for Aquatic Centres
Traditionally many local authority aquatic leisure facilities were built for specialist or limited
market users (i.e. competitive swimmers or high level sport participants).
The majority of aquatic facility market research indicates future complexes must equally
cater for four distinct aquatic user markets, as shown in the diagram below.
Main Aquatic User Markets
REC, LEISURE & ADVENTURE
60% - 70% of pool users
Families, friends, social groups
Coming for fun and play
FITNESS & TRAINING
20% to 25% of pool users
Competitive swimmers
Club/association users
MAXIMUM AQUATIC
FACILITY USER
ATTRACTION SUBJECT
TO DEMOGRAPHIC
PROFILE
EDUCATION
THERAPY
10% to 15% of users
Learn to swim, schools etc.
Special needs users
10% to 15% of users
Hydrotherapy
Exercise classes in water
Figure 20: Main Aquatic User Market
Recreation and Leisure Market - usually made up of families, people coming with
friends and groups for fun, relaxation, social activity and low level
competition/participation.
Competitive/Training/Fitness Market - usually made up of people predominantly
attending facilities alone for structured fitness or competition activities.
Education Market - usually made up of children and adults wishing to increase water
safety and survival skills. Includes Learn-to-Swim classes, school and club use and
individuals improving their skills and techniques. They require hot water pools and
water depths with some straight edges and easy water access etc.
Health and Therapy Market - usually made up of children, adults and older adults
wanting to relax or exercise in hot water. This market also includes specialist health
condition groups such as arthritis, asthma suffers, etc. They require hot water pools
and associated health relaxation areas, i.e. Spa/saunas, etc.
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Research indicates that the recreation and leisure market will be the largest as it contains
people of all ages, ability, types, interest and gender. The competitive/ training/fitness
market is a more specialist market as it usually contains younger, fitter and more active
people who have made time to train and compete.
Previous research conducted by SGL Leisure Planning Team indicates that in many cases 60%
to 70% of facility users come from the recreation/leisure sector with 20% to 30% coming from
the competitive/training/fitness markets. The health and therapy and education markets
can range from 10% to 20% of the market subject to the age and health profile of the
community in which the facility is located.
The most successful centres attract all user markets and should be set up to allow people to
participate in a range of activities at the one site. The further addition of health and fitness
facilities, spas and saunas and social areas have been very successful at many aquatic
facilities, as they add to the user experience and contribute to people being attracted to
attend these facilities more often.
Aquatic Facilities Activity Areas
Industry trends indicate that the majority of current indoor standalone aquatic facilities
revenue does not meet annual operating costs, before depreciation. Average losses range
from $200,000 to $500,000 plus per annum, before depreciation and finance cost.
A review of successful centres' business indicates that these centres record:
High visits per meter.
Excellent programme range returns and attendances.
High secondary spend returns.
Excellent range of attendance types.
Draws users from a large catchment area.
High revenue returns from health and fitness.
To help improve financial viability, any future facility development must be designed with the
above business aims in mind. This usually means the provision of activity area components
that can:
Provide a mix of shallow leisure/recreation water with programmable water areas.
Provide high revenue generating complementary service areas such as fitness
centres and food and beverage services.
Are located in a high traffic/visitation area.
Traditionally, commercial investment in aquatic facilities has been in specialist pools such as
learn-to-swim or as additions to health and fitness clubs. The high capital cost and limited
financial returns have contributed to this situation.
Health and Fitness Activity Areas
Industry trends indicate that users of aquatic facilities are also significant users of health and
fitness facilities. Location of each of these activity components at the one site improves
financial viability.
Locating these facilities at Aquatic Centres increases the potential of cross-selling and spinoff use. It also improves the membership/programme user and casual user ratio.
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Possible Ancillary Services and Activity Areas
In recent years, there has been a trend to develop a range of complementary businesses in
conjunction with aquatic leisure facilities, which are listed below.
Wellness Centres/Day Spas
There is an emerging trend to include an area for specialist wellness activities, services and
associated product sales. The key services found at successful wellness centres include
massage, beauty therapy treatments, gentle exercise classes and relaxation and time-out
activities.
Inclusion of such facilities offers a broader range of activities to a larger age profile of
people. The massage and beauty therapy are high yield sales activities and also can have a
high level of associated product sales.
It is essential in developing such areas that they are located with good views, away from
general public noise and viewing areas and have very good finishes and fittings. There
needs to be a close by lounge for relaxation after treatment or classes.
Sports Medicine
Development of consulting rooms, with patient access to health and fitness and pools, have
been excellent revenue generators.
Health and Therapeutic Services
Health consultancies, weight loss and therapeutic services linking in worker and accident
rehabilitation patients to use the range of facilities with centre memberships paid by relevant
authorities.
Health and Beauty Services
Leased areas to services such as beauticians, hair salons and body toning.
Potential Future Aquatic Facility Trends
Key features that can be considered when redeveloping or retrofitting high use aquatic
facilities are listed below.
Leisure Play Equipment
Changing static shallow water areas into water play and fun zones is one of the most popular
renovations. This can be done by adding simple play equipment, water sprays and
interactive equipment to existing pools. Added to this is the option to introduce inflatable
play equipment to allow the area to be changeable.
Many such outdoor pools that have been retrofitted have been linked to high use indoor
pools.
Major Attraction Leisure Features
Water slides and similar challenge and adventure type activities have remained popular as
long as the venue has a range of slides/rides to keep peoples interest. Single ride facilities
struggle to keep interest due to the lack of variety. Multi ride areas allow users to try different
length and configuration rides.
There are also a range of new water rides that have a slide component leading to another
ride experience such as dropping into a bowl and then water, or onto a ramp and then into
a splash pool.
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A key design trend is to link all slides to a common entry platform to ensure one staff person
can supervise the area. A common splash down zone also allows one lifeguard to control a
range of ride water entry points.
Special Effects
A range of North American Indoor leisure parks have added computerised light shows and
sound systems to allow night time areas to be changed. The use of lights and sound
provided users with new indoor facility experiences at night-time.
Some centres have gone further by adding projection walls to incorporate movies and short
video clips with their new light and sound effects.
Leisure Furniture
Many centres aimed to keep parents and children at centres longer (to encourage greater
secondary spending on food/beverage/merchandising) by providing quality furniture. The
use of poolside lounges, tables, chairs, umbrellas, has allowed families to stay close to the
water areas in relative comfort.
Food/Beverage/Merchandising
This area has seen some major changes through development of pool side and dry area
multi serving zones. Linked to these are high quality wet and dry lounge zones where people
are encouraged to sit down and relax.
A number of innovative centres provide extensive lounge areas as well as poolside furniture.
These centres use mobile food and beverage carts to sell items directly to centre users (i.e.
they take the product to the customer). A number of other centres visited have used
merchandising innovations, such as all existing customers having to go through the sales
area. Other innovations included:
Multi-media video screens through the centre reminding customers about
programmes, special promotions, food/beverage and merchandising specials.
Providing customers with discount vouchers (at entry to centre) to spend in food/
beverage and merchandising outlets or on their next visit.
Offering combination sales specials to attract a higher spend per person.
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8.4.3 SITE DISCUSSION
Given urban design directions, desirable co-location factors, spatial requirements and land
availability, the consultant team identified and overlaid concept drawings for 2 potential
locations for a future Aquatic Centre, i.e. Danby Field and Burke St Reserve (with associated
private land).
Danby Field
Pros
Proximity to CBD – generator of new activities and associated visitor numbers. Benefits
to surrounding commercial activities including Thames main street retail and
Goldfields shopping centre.
Proximity to Porritt Park – community recreation hub comprising playground, Skate
Park, aquatic, fitness activities.
Proximity to coastal walk/cycleway – promotes non-vehicular access.
Inclusivity and safety - promotes broad demographic utilisation of area and
prolonged visitor stay through greater portion of day and evening (seasonal
adjustment).
High visibility - readily visible from State Highway 25 north and south bound. Also
Sealey Street viewshaft.
Existing commercial tenancy – potential for lease of current Goldfields retail floor area
for fitness centre in lieu of new build.
Car parking - capacity for expanded car parking along Queen Street (SH25).
Danby Field - compatible with current MoE outdoor playing field use.
Urban renewal benefits - potential anchor activity in support of future commercial
and/or community uses.
Cons
Availability of land - current Ministry of Education ownership with Ngati Maru Waitangi
Treaty settlement interest in this land, should it become available.
Wet site – Danby field prone to inundation requiring design for appropriate heights of
new floor levels and hydrostatic effects beneath pool tanks.
Subsoil conditions - reclaimed land. Potential for increased costs due to geotechnical
and associated foundation design, particularly for mitigation of subsidence and
seismic liquefaction effects.
Traffic congestion – may require consideration of Queen and Sealey intersection with
potential for roading design, traffic control and associated agreement with NZTA.
Proximity to residential neighbours – potential nuisance associated with increased
and new activities.
Visual and spatial relationship with the south (rear) of Goldfields – potential for
associated landscape development for visual screening of service areas.
Lack of coastal view – height of stop bank and mangroves prevent clear views of
Firth of Thames and landforms beyond.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
83
Burke Street Reserve (& Private Land)
Pros
Joining of Victoria Park / Burke St Reserve – realisation of "The Green Strip" for an
accessible and community recreation focused coastal edge.
Proximity to Grahamstown Heritage precinct – generator of new activities and
associated visitor numbers.
Premium aquatic environment – coastal edge as ideal environ for indoor and
outdoor aquatic activities.
Proximity to coastal walk/cycleway – promotes non-vehicular access.
Inclusivity and safety - promotes broad demographic utilisation of area and
prolonged visitor stay through greater portion of day and evening (seasonal
adjustment).
Car parking – capacity for expanded car parking utilising Burke St Reserve.
Reserve activity generator – places greater visitor numbers on the boundary of the
reserve with associated potential to add recreation activity value to the area
Urban renewal benefits - potential anchor activity in support of future commercial
and/or community uses.
Connection to coast – potential to enhance Thames' visual, physical and temporal
connections to the coast.
Cons
Availability of land – approximately 3000m2 of private land required for car parking
and access. Possible land-swap.
Distance from CBD – walk, cycle, drive. Will not have immediate enhancement of
CBD commercial values due to new activities generated.
Limited Highway visibility – will function as a destination facility.
Subsoil conditions - reclaimed land and historic landfill use. Potential for increased
costs due to geotechnical and associated foundation design, particularly for
mitigation of subsidence and seismic liquefaction effects.
Effects on bird life – increased visitor numbers at Burke St reserve requiring mitigation
measures to protect nesting grounds on coastal edge, e.g. No go and dog restricted
areas.
Proximity to industrial service type activities, e.g. Transfer station.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
84
8.4.4 FUTURE DIRECTION
The Aquatic Centre has a major capital and operating cost implication and the consultant
team recommends the final scope of the Aquatic Centre needs to be a District-wide
decision, if not a sub-Regional decision.
The greater Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts justify one quality indoor aquatic
facility with multiple water spaces to cater for all markets (leisure, fitness/competitive, Learnto-Swim, health and therapy). This is an issue which needs to be fully debated and resolved
by the total catchment community, and in turn will dictate whether Thames is the venue for
this sub-Regional indoor Aquatic Centre, or continues to provide aquatic facilities at the
current level of service provision (possibly with an additional indoor Learn-to-Swim pool).
Due to plant failure and/or political will, there may be a desire to at least replace the existing
facility at a new location earlier. Consequently, the consultant team has prepared aquatic
capital cost estimates on a phased basis, allowing a core facility to be developed and later
expanded as required. However, the level of facility specification shown as Stage 1 would
realistically still be too large a capital (and net operating) cost for the Thames Ward alone,
i.e., if the Thames Ward was responsible for providing an aquatic facility for its Ward
community only, then a replacement of its current level of service may only be possible.
However, this replacement level of service will not cater effectively for the largest market, the
leisure swimmer, nor provide the warmer water suitable and needed for the other 2 key
markets, the older adult and also the Learn-to-Swim market.
Please note, for Stage1 have specified an insulated inflatable dome cover, which should
substantively reduce current misting issues.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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8.4.5 STAGED AQUATIC FACILITY COST ESTIMATE
Stage One
STAGED AQUATIC FACILITY COST ESTIMATE
(Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013)
All figures are GST exclusive
STAGE 1: REPLACEMENT OF CURRENT THAMES FACILITY AT NEW LOCATION
Description
Cost Explanatory Notes
INDOOR FACILITIES
2
2
Changing rooms
200m @ $2,500/m
2
2
Plant and Store Room
100m @ $1,500/m
2
2
Office, reception, admin, multipurose clubroom space
150m @ $2,500/m
Sub Total
OUTDOOR FACILITIES
25m 8-lane Pool, with toddler pool, paved concourse and
Sum
plant equipment
Sub Total
WINTER INSULATED INFLATABLE DOME
2
2
Winter Inflatable (insulated) Dome Cover for Outdoor Pools 1,000m @ $1,200/m
including associated plant and equipment.
(rate TBC)
Nominal 40m x 25m
2
2
Mechanical Services Plant Room
25m @ $1,500/m
Associated Site Works
Sum
Sub Total
EXTERNAL WORKS
2
2
Car Parking
3,000m @ $110/m
Site Services
Sum
Landscaping, Paving, Shade structures
Sum
Fencing
Sum
Sub Total
OTHER COSTS
Allowance for site preparation, demolition of existing
Sum
structures, and ground conditions
Boiler Heating System (woodchip or similar)
Sum
Sub Total
TOTAL 1
Professional Fees (planning, design, funding and project
@ 18%
leadership)
Consent Fees
Sum
Project Contingency
@ 10%
PROJECT TOTAL FOR SCENARIO 1
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
Estimate $
500,000
150,000
375,000
1,025,000
1,500,000
1,500,000
1,200,000
40,000
50,000
1,290,000
330,000
200,000
200,000
75,000
805,000
300,000
200,000
500,000
5,120,000
920,000
100,000
500,000
6,640,000
86
Stage Two
STAGE 2: ADD INDOOR LEARN-TO-SWIM / WARM WATER PROGRAMME POOL & FITNESS CENTRE
Description
Cost Explanatory Notes
INDOOR FACILITIES
2
2
Indoor Pool Hall including 20 x 10m programme and leisure 400m @ $4,000/m
pool and plant equipment
2
2
Arrival foyer, reception
150m @ $3,000 /m
2
2
Fitness centre – weights / cardio + group fitness studio
500m @ $2,500/ m
2
2
Dry Changing rooms
60m @ $2,500/ m
2
2
Expanded plant room / storage area
100m @ 1,500/ m
2
2
Circulation
100m @ $2,500/ m
Sub Total
EXTERNAL WORKS
2
2
Car Parking - expand
1,500m @ $110/ m
Site Services
Sum
Landscaping, Paving, Shade structures
Sum
Sub Total
OTHER COSTS
Allowance for site preparation, demolition of existing
Sum
structures, and ground conditions
Boiler Heating System (woodchip or similar) – additional
Sum
capacity
Sub Total
TOTAL 2
Professional Fees (planning, design, funding and project
@ 18%
leadership)
Consent Fees
Sum
Project Contingency
@ 10%
PROJECT TOTAL FOR SCENARIO 2
Estimate $
1,600,000
450,000
1,250,000
150,000
150,000
250,000
3,850,000
150,000
50,000
50,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
400,000
4,450,00
800,000
50,000
450,000
5,750,000
Stage Three
STAGE 3: ADD FULL ALL-SEASON ENCLOSURE TO POOLS
Description
Full all-season Enclosure of Outdoor Pools including
mechanical services plant
Mechanical Services Plant Room
Associated Site Works
Sub Total
Professional Fees (planning, design, funding and project
leadership)
Consent Fees
Project Contingency
PROJECT TOTAL FOR SCENARIO 3
Cost Explanatory Notes
2
2
1,000 m @ $2,800/ m
2
25 m @ $1,500/ m
Sum
2
@ 18%
Sum
@ 10%
Estimate $
2,800,000
40,000
100,000
2,940,000
530,000
30,000
300,000
3,800,000
Exclusions
Site services infrastructure upgrades if required.
Urban & streetscape works including alterations to coastal walk/cycle-way.
Bike Pump Track.
Land acquisition and/or swap and associated legal / survey costs.
Relocation of existing land uses and associated costs.
Burke Street Reserve car parking and development.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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9 CAPITAL FUNDING
9.1 CAPITAL FUNDING PROFILE
Capital funding principles were discussed in-depth in the SGL Report – June 2009, i.e., Section
9. This underlying funding theory still applies.
To optimise major grant funding, the consultant team recommends an integrated
community funding approach by at least the Thames Ward and the Coromandel-Colville
Ward.
The consultant has undertaken preliminary work regarding the achievable levels of capital
funding. Due to obvious sensitivities, the detailed suggested direction will be presented
separately. However, in summary here, based on a $7.22 million development programme in
the Thames Ward over the next 5 years, the current full commitment by TCDC of $4.080
million allocated towards the Skate Park, Rhodes Park development and the indoor
gymnasium will be fully needed, plus realistically some further proceeds of possibly up to
$0.5 million will be needed from Council sources (to be determined).
Table 35: Draft Capital Funding Profile for Proposed Facility Development for Thames
Ward
DRAFT CAPITAL FUNDING PROFILE FOR PROPOSED FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
FOR THAMES WARD
(For Skate Park, Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment and Indoor Gymnasium
All figures are GST exclusive)
Funding
$000s
Skate Park
Indoor
Rhodes Park
Total
Gymnasium
TCDC/Thames Community Board
80
2,515
1,485
4,080
(including Feasibility Study costs) –
as currently allocated in the LTP
TCDC/Thames Community Board
0
315
185
500
(potential additional support
needed from Council sources)
All relevant Community
35
535
315
885
Groups/Local Businesses
Public Grants
105
1,035
615
1,755
TOTAL
220
4,4600
2,600
7,220
9.2 PROJECT STRUCTURE AND FUNDING LEADERSHIP
To implement an integrated community funding programme, recommend form a project
structure overseen by a Steering Committee, with Project Groups for each project i.e., indoor
court, Rhodes Park and Skate Park. A Funding Committee would also be formed, which
would take the leadership role on major funders and drive the development and
implementation of an overall integrated funding and communications strategy, with active
support by each Project Group.
To enable individual donations to receive tax benefits, recommend utilize the existing Zoom
Zone Charitable Trust or establish a new "Thames Sports and Recreation Trust" as the recipient
charity for these donations.
Please see the suggested Project Structure.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
88
PROJECT STRUCTURE (DRAFT)
Please note:
Steering Committee to have full oversight of all projects, and to consider issues affecting overall project development, funding, communications
and Council approval processes.
Meet quarterly
Project Groups to take the leadership role on all aspects of their project, including design development, legal and planning, ‘cost control’,
capital funding support, communications support and future operations
Funding Committee to develop and drive integrated funding and communications strategy, with active Project Group support
Want 1 Funding representative on each Project Group
C = Chair, PL = Project Leader
Project Leader to be responsible for driving meeting agendas and work programmes
Funding Committee and Project Groups meet monthly or less frequently as required
TCDC Councillor
TCB
TCDC Staff
TCDC Finance
Consultants
Sports Waikato
Project Group Reps
FUNDING COMMITTEE
STEERING COMMITTEE
Peter French (C)
Strat Peters
Greg Hampton
Steve Baker
Steve Bramley (PL)
Glenn Brebner
Mike Maquire
1 per Group
INDOOR COURT PROJECT GROUP
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
RHODES PARK PROJECT GROUP
SKATE PARK PROJECT GROUP
89
10
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Facility Development Programme: The recommended facility development programme
from the Thames Ward is described in the Table below. Note, due to the capital and
operating costs implications, any future Aquatic Centre development in Thames needs to
be considered as part of a District-wide, if not a sub-Regional aquatic facility strategy.
Table 36: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward
PROPOSED SPORTS FACILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THAMES WARD
(All figures are GST exclusive)
Project Description
Suggested Timing
Estimated Cost ($000s)
(at today’s prices)
Skate Park
2013-14
220
Indoor Stadium (at Thames High School)
2014-16
4,400
Rhodes Park Club Redevelopment
2015-18
2,600
TOTAL
7,220
Future Aquatic Centre Development
To be determined – currently
anticipate 2020 onwards
2. Skate Park: Recommend subject to satisfactory resolution of the site issues, that a Skate
Park proceed in the Porritt Park location in the next 12 month period (2013/14), based on
a budget of $220,500, and a total contribution by the Thames Community Board towards
the Skate Park cost of $80,500 (including feasibility and preparatory design work to date).
3. Indoor Court Development: Recommend that a new indoor court is developed at the
Thames High School site within the next 3-4 year period (2015-17), with the following key
items noted:
a.
The new development to include the equivalent of 1 full-sized Netball court, with
community change amenity, administration and storage; plus on the end of the
existing gymnasium to develop a dedicated 100m2 space able to be permanently
set up with Gymnastics equipment, together with a co-located Gymnastics/multipurpose walk-in storage area of about 50m2.
b.
To consolidate indoor sports activity at 1 location, discontinue sports bookings at
Thames Civic Centre.
c.
To be based on a total budget of $4.4 million with Council’s contribution to be
approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows
a $2.83 million (64%) funding contribution by Council).
d.
To be able to use depreciation reserves and hence to minimize the rates impact
on Council’s capital contribution for this project, that Thames-Coromandel District
Council is the owner of the new indoor court, and enters into a long-term land
lease with the Thames High School/Ministry of Education.
e.
To achieve a sustainable operating model, and now as the owner to protect its
interests, that Council meets the insurance and long term maintenance costs for
the new gymnasium only (all existing gymnasium costs to continue to be met by
the school), plus provides an annual operating grant of approximately $10,000.
To also note, that the future pricing model is currently based on $25 (GST inclusive)
per court hour.
That a new charitable trust comprises of representatives appointed by the Thames
Community Board/TCDC, Thames High School and by the community be
responsible for the governance and management of the whole facility (both the
new and the existing gymnasium). This Trust to enter into a sub-lease for the new
f.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
90
gymnasium with Thames-Coromandel District Council and a license to occupy for
the existing gymnasium with Thames High School/Ministry of Education.
g.
Thames-Coromandel District Council needs to consider whether it sets aside any
annual funding provision for the eventual future replacement of this facility.
4. Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment: Recommend proceed with a new clubrooms
redevelopment at Rhodes Park within the next 3-4 year period (2016-18), as detailed in
this section with the following key items noted:
a. To provide an elevated, single storey, multi-purpose clubrooms catering for all
grass field users of the park, which will include uncovered seating for
approximately 160 people, and by converting the current Small-bore Rifle building
also provide 8 changing rooms.
b. To be based on a total budget of $2.6 million with Council’s contribution to be
approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which
shows a $1.67 million (64%) funding contribution by Council).
c. If the Council contribution can be funded without depreciation reserves, that the
Thames Rugby and Sports Club should be the future owner/manager of the new
clubrooms, but as part of receiving significant Council and public capital funding,
that one of its primary objectives will be to provide clubroom facilities for all users
at Rhodes Park on an equitable and fair basis. It is noted this may require some
amendments to its constitution to fully reflect this role.
d. The Club should be encouraged to set aside approximately $30,000 per year (50%
of its depreciation cost) into a long-term maintenance/capital improvement
fund.
5. Capital Funding:
a. To optimise major grant funding, recommend an integrated community funding
approach by (at least) the Thames Ward and the Coromandel-Colville Ward.
b. To implement an integrated community funding programme, recommend form a
Project Structure, including a Funding Committee, comprising key members from
Thames High School, Thames Rugby & Sports Club, Skate Park Group, Zoom Zone
Trust and wider community as identified (shared responsibility by all stakeholders
for the funding of these projects are very important).
c. Based on realistic levels of achievable external funding, that the Council consider
the provision of an additional $500,000 towards these projects.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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11
APPENDIX
11.1
COROMANDEL PENINSULA EVENTS CALENDAR
Month
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
01
02
02
02
03
03
03
03
03
04
04
05
06
06
06
06
08
08
08
09
09
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
Description
Town
Adventure racing # events
Model A
Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town
Cooks Beach
Cooks Beach
Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town
Hahei
Pauanui
Tairua
Thames
Thames
Whangamata
Paeroa
Paeroa
Paeroa
Hahei
Thames
Thames
The Coromandel
Whangamata
Kuaotunu
The Coromandel
Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town
Thames
The Coromandel
Whitianga
Thames
Whangamata
Whitianga
Paeroa
Whitianga
Ngatea
Waihi
Whangamata
Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town
Opoutere
Paeroa
Thames
The Coromandel
Whitianga
Concert in the Vines
Cooks Beach Summer Gala
Keltic Fair
Quit Show
Hahei Market
Pauanui Market Day
Tairua School Wine & Food Festival
Circus
Thames Races
Contact Tri Series
Paeroa Battle of the Streets
Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo
V8 Swap Meet & Show
Leadfoot Festival
The Great Thames Tug Off/ Strongman
Thames Trolley Derby
Art Escape Mercury Bay
Beach Hop
Bush to Beach Half Marathon
ECHO Walking Festival
Coromandel Arts Tour
The Bounty Hunter Fishing Tournament
Matariki and Green Poi Week
The Monteiths Wild Food Competition
Whitianga Garage Sale
Coromandel Classic Multisport
Whangamata Run Walk Festival
Coromandel Peninsula Art & Craft Fair
Paeroa Antiques Festival
Whitianga Scallop Festival
Ngatea Garage Sale
Waihi Goldfest
Brits at the Beach 4
K2 Cycle Race
The Great Cranleigh Kauri Run
Opoutere Fireworks Extravaganza
Maratoto Challenge
Thames Arts Festival - Beside the Seaside
Pohutukawa Festival
Coromandel Dive Festival
Venue
Coromandel Domain
Hauraki Hall
Kennedy Park
Tairua School
Rhodes Park
Racecourse
Leadfoot Ranch
Rhodes Park
Local parks and reserves
Civic Centre
Restaurants
Racecourse
Town Hall
Northern Reclamation
Coromandel Domain
Area School
Opoutere School
Maratoto Valley
Civic Centre
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
92
Month
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
Description
Coro Gold
Santa Parade
Thames Save the Children Fun Run
Prana New Year Festival
Whanga Week
Whangamata Summer Festival
Whitianga Health & Wellbeing Fair
Town
Coroglen
Thames
Thames
Opoutere
Whangamata
Whangamata
Whitianga
Venue
Ohuka Farm
Pollen St
Rhodes Park
Whitianga Town Hall
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
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11.2
INFORMATION REVIEW
CMA+U Cranleigh. (29 January 2013). Thames+ Urban Development Strategy Workshop
(VISUALS): Author
CMA+U Cranleigh. (May 2013). Thames+ Urban Development Strategy: Volume Two –
Development Strategy/Implementation Framework Draft: Author
Global Leisure for Hauraki District Council and Thames Coromandel District Council. (10 June
2005). Hauraki / Thames-Coromandel Physical Activity Strategy - Steering Group
Draft (Stage 2 Draft): Author
Global Leisure for Hauraki District Council and Thames Coromandel District Council. (4 August
2005). Hauraki / Thames-Coromandel Physical Activity Strategy and Facilities Plan Summary Document: Author
Kim Curtis, Thames Coromandel District Council. (17 February 2011). Flood Damage Repair Thames Netball Courts (from Kim Curtiss - Thames Area Co-ordinator): Author
Paban Consulting. (20 May 2009). Thames High School Proposed Indoor Court Facility
Development: Independent Project Review (prepared for SGL Group Ltd): Author
SGL Group and Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar & Brebner Team Architects. (April 2009). Thames
Community Leisure Centre at Thames High School: Site Master planning & Facility
Design Report: Author
SGL Group. (April 2009). Thames Community Leisure Centre: Presentation to Thames
Coromandel District Council: Author
SGL Group. (June 2009). Thames Community Leisure Centre: Concept Design Options, Build
Options, Financial Feasibility and Capital Funding Strategies for a One Court indoor
Facility: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council (29 July 2011). Application For Community Funding for a
recreation area for Youth to promote health and well being for young people:
Author
Thames Coromandel District Council (http://webprod/mvinprod/modules/financemaster).
(22 May 2009). Thames Centennial Pool: Account Summary - Swimming Pools
Thames Pool - Period ended: June 2013 (OUTPUT): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council / Sport Waikato. Annual Report: 1 July 2011 - 30 June
2012 Thames Coromandel District Council Activity Report: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council, Policy and Planning Group 2010. (2009-2010).
Coromandel Peninsula Peak Population Study 2009/10: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council, Policy and Planning Group. (2008). Coromandel
Peninsula District Profile: People, housing and projections including information on
main settlements: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (2 May 2011). Activity Planning 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan:
Strong Communities - Halls: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (2 May 2011). Activity Planning 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan:
Strong Communities - Parks and Reserves: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (2 May 2011). Activity Planning 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan:
Strong Communities - Swimming Pools: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (2005). Rhodes Park Grandstand Structural Inspection
Report: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (2011). Thames Centennial Pool: Operations Manual:
Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (2013/2014). Draft 2013/2014 Annual Plan: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (December 2006). Thames and Thames Coast Reserve
Management Plan, Document 2: Individual Reserve Plans (approved by TCDC May
2006, awaiting final Doc approval): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (March 2011). Halls Activity Plan: Asset Condition Report
(March 2011): Author
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
94
Thames Coromandel District Council. (March 2013). Your Waikato #77: Featuring 2013/14
Draft Annual Plan: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2006). Thames and Thames Coast Reserve
Management Plan, Document 1: Part 1 & 2 (final document awaiting TCDC
approval): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2011). Thames Centennial Pool: Risk Management
Plan: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013) Bookings Data - Thames – Civic Centre
(EXCEL): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013). Bookings Data - Coromandel Citizens Hall
Booking 2012 (EXCEL): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013). Bookings Data – Rhodes Park Bookings
(EXCEL): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013). Bookings Data S - Halls - All district bookings
2012 Financial (EXCEL): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan, Volume 1: vision, strategies
and activities: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan, Volume 2: financial
implications and forecasts: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan, Volume 3: policies and
statements: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. CDC - 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan - Consolidated Activity
Plan - Swimming Pools: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Coromandel Peninsula District Profile: People, Housing
And Projections Including Information On Main Settlements: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Schedule of Fees and Charges: Halls (Coromandel and
Thames): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Submission Draft Annual Plan 2003 2004 - Community
Facilities - Skateboard Park: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Centennial Pool: OPEX_0522190833_001: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Centennial Pool: Quarterly Reports: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Centennial Pool-Monthly Reports: Author
Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Swimming Pool air inflated dome structure
(PLANS): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council: Thames Pool. Thames Aquatic Centre (proposed) data gathering (document): Author
Thames Coromandel District Council: Thames Pool. Thames Aquatic Centre: Do it once, Do it
right (PowerPoint): Author
Thames Valley Rugby Union. (2013). Season Draw: Author
Vivian and Fowlie, Sport Waikato. (2012). Audit of Sporting Facilities for the Waikato Region:
An Aid For the Development of a Regional Sporting Facility Strategy: Author
WaikatoBOP Football Federation (2013). Season Draw: Author
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
95
11.3
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Date
APRIL
17-Apr
26-Apr
26-Apr
26-Apr
MAY
May
May
02-May
08-May
08-May
08-May
08-May
08-May
08-May
08-May
10-May
15-May
15-May
From
With
Concerning
TCDC
TCDC
TCDC & Sport Waikato
Thames Youth Centre
Greg Hampton & Marlene Perry
Paul Dufty (Pool Manager)
Marlene Perry & Justine Baverstock
Louise West
Project Briefing
Centennial Pool
Data Collection Briefing
Skate Park Project
Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp
Thames Netball Centre
TCDC & Sport Waikato
Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand
Thames Athletics
Thames Badminton
Thames Basketball
Thames Cricket Club
Thames Gymnastics Club
Thames Junior Football Inc
Thames Amateur Swimming Club
Thames High School
Thames Rugby & Sports Club
15-May
16-May
Zoom Zone
Thames Local Board
Andy Miller (Manager)
Cath Ngamure (President) & Robin Brooke
Marlene Perry & Justine Baverstock
Lance & Ava Strong (Owners)
Hillary McConnell
Nikky Bernstein, Sally Hartley & Kay Paki
Larrissa Davy & Dhea Hart
Marc Hall
Alia
Tiffany
Mark McDowell
Dave Sims
Steve Gooder (President), Brent Duffin,
Vaughn DeGroen & Hamish Babe
Peter Richardson & Mary Hamilton
16-May
Thames Skatepark Revolution
22-May
22-May
22-May
22-May
22-May
22-May
22-May
22-May
22-May
30-May
30-May
TCA Gym
TCDC
Thames Harrier Club Inc
Thames Squash Rackets Club Inc
Thames Bowling Club Inc
Thames Mountain Biking Club
Thames Tennis Club Inc
Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club
Thames Workingmen’s Club
TCDC
Workshop
JUNE
June
June
June
11-June
14-June
14-June
WaikatoBOP Football Federation
Thames High School
TCDC
Thames Valley Rugby Union
TCDC
Thames Rugby & Sports Club
25-June
28-June
TCDC
Destination Coromandel
Diane Connors (Thames Local Board), Louise
West, Diane, Vorry Mahal, Wyonetta Ryan,
Karen Mobberley Tolly Gibbons, Patrick
O’Shea, Ciaran Fill & a group of skaters (aged
9-11 years)
Arna Rohrlack
Dave Hammond (CEO) & Ben Day
John Grey
Leigh Robcke & Matt Juby
Karl Garrett & Rodney Garrett
Richard Hawkeswood & Mike Cook
Roger Dodds
Lester Yates
John Grey
Dave Hammond (CEO) & Greg Hampton
Zoom Zone (Peter Richardson & Mary
Hamilton), TCDC (Greg Hampton, Marlene
Perry, Derek Tompson, Paul Dufty), SGL &
BGBB (Steve Bramley, Audry McLaren, Glenn
Brebner)
Peter Arndell (Competitions Manager)
Linda Kennedy
Richard Cruice (Head Coach)
Edmund Leahy (CEO)
Peter French & Greg Hampton
Steve Gooder (President), Brent Duffin,
Vaughn DeGroen & Hamish Babe
Greg Hampton
Megan Nunn
Project Briefing
Project Presentation &
Update
Skate Park Project
Project Update &
Discussion
Gymnasium Bookings
Thames Swim Academy
Grandstand
Reserves for Disposal
Peninsula events (Email)
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
96
11.4
RESTRICTIONS
This Report has been prepared solely for the purposes stated herein and should not be relied
upon for any other purpose.
In preparing this Report and forming our opinion, we have relied upon the information
available to us from public sources and furnished to us by Stakeholders and TCDC. In turn,
we have evaluated that information through analysis, inquiry and review.
This Report has been prepared solely for use by the TCDC and may not be copied or
distributed to third parties without our prior written consent.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, SGL and BGBB Team Architects accepts no duty of
care to any third party in connection with the provision of this Report and/or any related
information or explanation (together, the “Information”). Accordingly, regardless of the form
of action, whether in contract, tort (including without limitation, negligence) or otherwise,
and to the extent permitted by applicable law, SGL and BGBB Team Architects accepts no
liability of any kind to any third party and disclaims all responsibility for the consequences of
any third party acting or refraining to act in reliance on the Information.
Our Report has been prepared with care and diligence and the statements and opinions in
the Report are given in good faith and in the belief on reasonable grounds that such
statements and opinions are not false or misleading. No responsibility arising in any way for
errors or omissions (including responsibility to any person for negligence) is assumed by us or
any of our partners or employees for the preparation of the Report to the extent that such
errors or omissions result from our reasonable reliance on information provided by others or
assumptions disclosed in the Report or assumptions reasonably taken as implicit.
We reserve the right, but are under no obligation, to revise or amend our Report if any
additional information (particularly as regards the assumptions we have relied upon) which
exists at the date of our Report, but was not drawn to our attention during its preparation,
subsequently comes to light.
© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions
97