Methven grandstand to be built

Press, 16 June 1982, Page 32

Methven grandstand to be built

By

G. K- YULE

Patrons attending meetings of the Methven Trotting Club from early in 1983 will have a new covered viewing area, with toilet, betting and bar areas. ' r The committee has decided unanimously to proceed with a building project, according to the president (Mr Ron May). "It looks as though our debenture issue will achieve its objective of about $75,000, and the final figure could be quite a bit more as some returns have yet to come in,” said Mr May. "The club has sufficient in reserve to meet the rest of the costs of the project and the committee decided ‘not to mess about’ and start work as soon as possible," he added. If everything goes according to plan the club hopes to start work immediately after

the spring meeting in September and it is hoped to have everything completed by next February. 'lt is intended to use the original plans submitted unsuccessfully to the Racing Authority for financial assistance about 12 months ago. “We intend using as much of the old public stand as possible in the new structure,” said Mr May. “There are some fine, sound Oregon beams, trusses and iron work which can be dismantled and incorporated in the new stand.” I The original cost of the building proposed 12 months ago was about $90,000. “It will be a bit higher now because of inflation, but it is expected that the club will be able to do some of the work itself and so reduce the final costs," said Mr May. The new stand will give overhead cover for patrons in adverse weather and the

new facilities underneath will be of a similar nature to those incorporated in i the building project on the Ashburton course. There will be walkways from the facilities on the ground floor to the viewarea. The club hopes there will be multiple use of facilities on the course and negotiations are proceeding with several organisations. The Youth Hostel Association will begin using some of the facilities on the course within the next few weeks. .“The club has had to do some work to meet the requirements of the association, and this is now almost complete,” said Mr May. “This will bring in added revenue for the club and it will be of help in the long term should there be any shortfall in revenue required for the new grandstand,” he said.