An iconic Invercargill sports facility can once again support local teams and host national
competitions, following eight months of earthquake strengthening work.
Councillors, Council staff and lease holding clubs gathered on Thursday to mark the
reopening of Surrey Park Grandstand, which had been brought up to modern building code
standards as part of an Invercargill City Council Long-term Plan project.
Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the 60-year-old
grandstand was a significant asset for the wider Southland region and it was important to
ensure it was safe and structurally sound.
“The future is looking bright for local athletics and community sports as this project crosses
the finish line,” she said.
“I’m proud to see the grandstand brought back up to a standard where it can continue to be
enjoyed by the people of Invercargill and Southland for years to come.”
Originally built in 1964, Surrey Park Grandstand suffered structural weaknesses, including
corrosion and sections of unreinforced masonry, which had become an earthquake risk.
Council committed $1.8 million to address these issues following community consultation as
part of the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan, with an initial aspiration to demolish the structure
and rebuild something entirely new.
Rain said the plan was adapted to ensure the most effective use of ratepayers’ money, after
it was identified that a new build would be significantly over budget.
“Repairing the old grandstand meant we could complete the project with the money we had
while retaining this important community facility.”
As well as being home to the Waihōpai Football Club and Athletics Southland clubrooms,
the grandstand was necessary for hosting national athletics events, such as the Colgate
Games and Interprovincial Games.
Rain said the refurbished grandstand would allow Surrey Park to be fully utilised, while
complementing other recent improvements, including upgraded softball diamonds and a
new pavilion facility.
“We are thankful for the smooth execution of this project by the contractor, ABL
Invercargill, and the patience of the lease holding clubs, who can once again use Surrey Park
to its full potential.”
