Tairua Skateboard Park Funding Increase Before New Council

At its inaugural meeting this week the new Thames Coromandel District Council is being asked to unlock a further half a million dollars for the proposed Tairua Skateboard Park.

In considering this request from both staff and the council’s skatepark consultants, councillors have been advised the proposed controversial park will now cost a further $1,122 million.

A report from Council’s South-Eastern Area Manager, Eileen Hopping, which is supported by consultants Veros, details budget allowances of $224,500 for consultant’s costs, $706,500 as construction costs, a $70,650 construction contingency, design contingency of $77,700, and a cost escalation contingency of $42,750.

The project’s current funding allocation comprises $405,948 from council, Tairua Community funding, understood to be from the Tairua Recreation Sports Trust – $150,000, leaving a shortfall of $566,152.

The Veros report states: “To continue to progress the Tairua Skatepark Project through to completion, an increase in the available project funding of $566,152 is required”.

Hopping’s report said: “The cost increase over and above the previous Tairua Skatepark Project process, is due to the cost escalations seen in construction materials and construction costs, due to the impact of covid on the economy since the pandemic, and the enhancements for the benefit of all users of Cory Park Domain.”

The report to councillors expands the argument to include increases in allowance for ground improvement works, taking a more risk adverse volume for material needing to be removed and reinstated, the inclusion of amenities to be shared by all park users – seating, bike racks, rubbish bin and drinking fountain.

The report calls for an additional earth bunding to keep separation from the rugby field, an allowance for additional planting and a year’s maintenance, and provision for an allowance for plaques to acknowledge the community who have supported the project by providing funding – approximately 60 people providing $1,000 each in support of the project.

The provision of handrails on high-risk elements, and the inclusion of making provision for managing stormwater from the park, completed the list.

Hopping did note that there is the potential to reduce costs during construction if material is found to be more suitable than originally expected.

“The decision being sought by the Council is not considered significant when assessed against the criteria within the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, in that there is no rating impact and funds are from reserves held by Council,” Hopping stated in the report.

The group representing both users and those impacted by the proposed skatepark is scheduled to meet later this month.