Q.E.II proposal supported

Press, 24 April 1980, Page 6

Q.E.II proposal supported

The setting up of a national sports training centre, at Queen Elizabeth II Park was unanimously supported at a public meeting in Christchurch last evening. The meeting set up a coordinating committee- to study the’ financing of the centre. The meeting was attended by two members of the Council for Recreation and Sport, and representatives from several sports organisations. The chairman of the meeting was the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr Hamish Hay). Cr P. N. G. Blaxall outlined to the meeting the council’s long term plans for the park. These included a sports hostel for 120 people, car parks, a gymnasium, an ice-skating rink, and playing fields. The hostel is expected to cost $550,000, and $324,000 will be needed for changing rooms and a gymnasium.

The ice-skating rink, which

would be built next to .the swimming pools, could cost $BOO,OOO. Mr Hay said'that if there was to be .a national training •centre at.?' .Christchurch, it should not be at -the cost of the ratepayers.." He suggested that it should be designated); a, training centre, financed by the Government and sports bodies. . - ,

The president of the Federation of Sports (Mr G. S. Brockett) said he supported the proposal because it would make the park available to more .people when travel and accommodation costs were rising.

Mr Brockett cited the example of a national training centre in West Germany similar to the size proposed for Queen Elizabeth .II Park. The Federal Government had contributed 70 per tent bf the costs, state authorities 20 per cent, and local sport interests 10 per cent, /.