Counties Indoor Tennis Arena
Proposed new Indoor Tennis Arena, over 5 courts for the Counties Tennis Region. What does this mean? For those who love picking up a racquet this means a great deal. You will now be able to enjoy the game of tennis all year round, without weather interference. This is the biggest new development that is taking place in our tennis community for a long time. We will now be able to continue and grow the sport of tennis in our region and take it to the next level. The new Counties Indoor Tennis Arena will be a vibrant central hub for the community to utilise.
A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes with committee and council meetings, getting permission, along with finding grants so we can move forward and get the project off the ground. |
An example (draft of proposed design)
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LATEST NEWS - UPDATE AS @ 01.09.2024
We are thrilled to share some great news! Our Expression of Interest (EOI) application to Foundation North has been successful. We've been given approval to proceed with a full application for funding in the range of $1-1.3 million.
The full application is due by November 8th and the project team is confident they have the crucial information required to meet the requests noted in their guidelines. It is possible that a community fundraising effort will be required for us raise what is likely to be a small shortfall. This will become clearer once the funding decision is made in March 2025 and we finalise costs during the procurement and final phase early 2025.
In other news, the Tāmaki Makaurau Sports and Recreation Facility Priority Plan (TMSRFPP), an initiative by Aktive with support from Auckland Council, was recently released. The Plan aims to help current large Sport and Recreation projects across the greater Auckland region, that are more than 50% funded, with securing the remaining funds so they can be completed. We were initially ranked #6 on the priority project list. We can now confirm that the #1 and #5 ranked projects have received their funding and have commenced construction.
We are committed to keeping our Ward Councillor Andy Baker and Local Board Member Alan Cole informed about our project and the ongoing work we do at Counties Tennis Association (CTA) and Pukekohe Lawn Tennis Club (PLTC). Both have attended the respective AGMs, and we continue to update them regularly.
Additionally, we're pleased to announce that the outdoor LED lighting project is now complete, and everyone is delighted with the result. Please see the picture above from PLTC Facebook page, where you can see Pukekohe Tennis Club social players enjoying the new LED lights for the first time. All the members of PLTC would like to extend a big Thank You to Four Winds Foundation and TAB NZ for the funding, and to Counties Tennis Association for managing the project.
The full application is due by November 8th and the project team is confident they have the crucial information required to meet the requests noted in their guidelines. It is possible that a community fundraising effort will be required for us raise what is likely to be a small shortfall. This will become clearer once the funding decision is made in March 2025 and we finalise costs during the procurement and final phase early 2025.
In other news, the Tāmaki Makaurau Sports and Recreation Facility Priority Plan (TMSRFPP), an initiative by Aktive with support from Auckland Council, was recently released. The Plan aims to help current large Sport and Recreation projects across the greater Auckland region, that are more than 50% funded, with securing the remaining funds so they can be completed. We were initially ranked #6 on the priority project list. We can now confirm that the #1 and #5 ranked projects have received their funding and have commenced construction.
We are committed to keeping our Ward Councillor Andy Baker and Local Board Member Alan Cole informed about our project and the ongoing work we do at Counties Tennis Association (CTA) and Pukekohe Lawn Tennis Club (PLTC). Both have attended the respective AGMs, and we continue to update them regularly.
Additionally, we're pleased to announce that the outdoor LED lighting project is now complete, and everyone is delighted with the result. Please see the picture above from PLTC Facebook page, where you can see Pukekohe Tennis Club social players enjoying the new LED lights for the first time. All the members of PLTC would like to extend a big Thank You to Four Winds Foundation and TAB NZ for the funding, and to Counties Tennis Association for managing the project.
UPDATE AS @ 01.07.2024
Progress and Current Status
Since our last communication, we have made significant strides in advancing our project. Here are the key updates:
1. Funding Status: We have successfully secured 67% of the required $4.6 million project cost through contributions from sponsors, SRFIF, and Lotto. This has been a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for the generous support we have received so far. Link for SRFIF update https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/09/counties-tennis/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR08d6z-g1fFms879xOKFdBLEz3kfIfGwJq9bwsR2LsIeSk_45J_ydXZCok_aem_6Y93qWVeaIm1J5SsRe7Vtg
2. Cost Adjustments: Initially, our business case estimated project costs at $2.7 million. However, as we refined the scope and accounted for price escalations over the last few years, the total cost has increased to $4.6 million. The increases in project costs are attributed to continual reviews and refinement of the scope and specifications to ensure wider community interests are considered. Additional increases have also resulted from clarification following Resource Consent approval and price fluctuations and escalations since we commenced the project.
3. Project Readiness: We have detailed cost estimates, comprehensive designs, landowner approval, and resource consent in place. Our construction contract will be based on NZS 3910:2023, ensuring a robust and industry-standard agreement.
4. Outdoor LED Lights Installation: We are pleased to announce that new outdoor LED lights are being installed in the next few weeks. This improvement will enhance our outdoor facilities, providing better lighting for evening play and events.
5. Funding Application: We have submitted a funding application to Foundation North. We are hopeful that this will secure the remaining funds required to commence construction.
Next Steps
The Indoor Tennis Arena will address the critical shortage of indoor sports facilities in the Franklin/Counties region. It will support a wide range of sports, including tennis, table tennis, badminton, futsal, and more. This facility will enhance the community's sporting infrastructure, providing all-weather play options, supporting junior and special needs programs, and promoting overall community health and well-being.
Thank You
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication to this project. Your contributions are making a significant difference, and together, we are creating a lasting legacy for our community.
We will keep you updated with further progress and any new developments. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Since our last communication, we have made significant strides in advancing our project. Here are the key updates:
1. Funding Status: We have successfully secured 67% of the required $4.6 million project cost through contributions from sponsors, SRFIF, and Lotto. This has been a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for the generous support we have received so far. Link for SRFIF update https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/09/counties-tennis/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR08d6z-g1fFms879xOKFdBLEz3kfIfGwJq9bwsR2LsIeSk_45J_ydXZCok_aem_6Y93qWVeaIm1J5SsRe7Vtg
2. Cost Adjustments: Initially, our business case estimated project costs at $2.7 million. However, as we refined the scope and accounted for price escalations over the last few years, the total cost has increased to $4.6 million. The increases in project costs are attributed to continual reviews and refinement of the scope and specifications to ensure wider community interests are considered. Additional increases have also resulted from clarification following Resource Consent approval and price fluctuations and escalations since we commenced the project.
- Initial Costing: Originally, the fabric structure was costed as an open-sided structure without walls.
- Scope Refinement: Further needs analysis and community feedback highlighted the necessity of including side-walls and an internal acoustic liner. A fully enclosed facility is essential to provide an all-weather participation experience and optimize utilization. The internal liner adds protection from condensation and significantly reduces noise reverberation, enhancing the playing surface for multi-use objectives
- Foundation Work: Costs related to foundation work for both the building and the playing courts' subsurface have been realized following the Resource Consent and Geotechnical Assessment. This ensures a stable base and prevents cracking of the court surface.
3. Project Readiness: We have detailed cost estimates, comprehensive designs, landowner approval, and resource consent in place. Our construction contract will be based on NZS 3910:2023, ensuring a robust and industry-standard agreement.
4. Outdoor LED Lights Installation: We are pleased to announce that new outdoor LED lights are being installed in the next few weeks. This improvement will enhance our outdoor facilities, providing better lighting for evening play and events.
5. Funding Application: We have submitted a funding application to Foundation North. We are hopeful that this will secure the remaining funds required to commence construction.
Next Steps
- Building Consent: The application for building consent requires finalization of all design proposals and foundation designs. Our preferred contractor, Fabritecture, is prepared to move forward once we commit to the build. However, we need to secure 95% of the project funding before fully committing.
- Funding Campaign: We are actively seeking the remaining funds and are confident that with continued support, we will reach our goal soon. Your continued backing and advocacy are important to achieving this milestone.
The Indoor Tennis Arena will address the critical shortage of indoor sports facilities in the Franklin/Counties region. It will support a wide range of sports, including tennis, table tennis, badminton, futsal, and more. This facility will enhance the community's sporting infrastructure, providing all-weather play options, supporting junior and special needs programs, and promoting overall community health and well-being.
Thank You
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication to this project. Your contributions are making a significant difference, and together, we are creating a lasting legacy for our community.
We will keep you updated with further progress and any new developments. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
UPDATE AS @ 01.04.2024
UPDATE AS @ 01.10.2023
UPDATE AS @ 01.02.2023
SURVEY RESULTS 2022
SURVEY RESULTS
Our 2022 survey results have been collated. Thank you all for your support, and for filling out the survey, your opinion is important to us. To access the document please download the file below:
2022_survey_results_-_counties_indoor_tennis_arena-2.pdf | |
File Size: | 569 kb |
File Type: |
VIDEO CONTENT 2022
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO: fb.watch/fnExs4zoQY/
Thank you For Your Continued Support
A big "thank you" to all the schools, businesses and community support for the upcoming Counties Indoor Tennis Arena project