University backs stadium
By Sports Editor Craig Page
Thursday, 10th August 2006
The University of Otago has agreed to be a major financial partner in a multipurpose stadium project, costing between $150 million-$180 million, planned to replace Carisbrook in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The site, on harbour-side land opposite Logan Park, is likely also to become the new home for the university’s School of Physical Education and could host other university departments.
The Carisbrook Stadium Trust announced at a function last night it had all but abandoned the option to upgrade Carisbrook in favour of replacing the 130-year-old stadium with a multipurpose venue.
The announcement had been anticipated, but the trust’s coup was confirmation the university would join forces in the project, owning part of the proposed stadium and contributing a significant amount of funding towards its development.
The relationship would be the first of its kind for a stadium in New Zealand.
The Otago Rugby Football Union would be the anchor tenant and the stadium would be the home for Otago and Highlanders rugby.
However, the day-to-day management of the stadium would lie with the trust, which intended attracting concerts, other sports outside of rugby, and seminars to the facility.
The facility could also create an opportunity to establish a New Zealand high performance sports centre in Dunedin. 
Trust chief executive Malcolm Farry said financial details were yet to be finalised but the new stadium could cost between $150 million and $180 million.
Concept plans for the project could include capacity for up to 32,000 and for a roof, although that would ultimately depend on the cost.
Two waterfront sites in the vicinity of Logan Park were being considered.
“It is an exciting prospect. This project will revolutionise our city and create a new vibrancy to our region,” Mr Farry said.
University of Otago vicechancellor Prof David Skegg confirmed the university would assign a portion of its $140 million capital expenditure to the project.
The joint venture would alleviate issues for both the trust and university.
Dunedin and southern New Zealand faced a major decision about the future of Carisbrook and its continued status as a test venue.
The university is embarking on a capital development plan to alleviate serious space shortages for students. The time frames for the two issues were almost identical.
Dunedinfounded company Arrow International has agreed to conduct development management planning for the stadium project and oversee two feasibility studies during the next eight months.
An international design competition will be staged to come up with an “innovative” and cost-effective design for the stadium.
It is anticipated the stadium would be completed by October 2010 and allow a full Super 14 rugby season to be played on the surface before the Rugby World Cup.
A final decision on whether to go ahead with the project will be made at the completion of the feasibility studies.
Mr Farry conceded the decision would ultimately hinge on the availability of funding.
While that had yet to be secured, Mr Farry said sources would include the university, naming rights sponsors, ground members, the Community Trust of Otago, corporate sponsors, shares, bonds, plus contributions from the Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council.
“This project hinges on the support of all our funding parties,” Mr Farry said.
“If this isn’t supported by the wider community and the city and regional councils then it would be a significant obstacle to this and any other development.”
Mr Farry was adamant any council funding for the project should come from existing capital expenditure and a re-evaluation of existing projects, rather than raising rates.
“I’m not prepared to put that burden on ratepayers.”
If the funding cannot be achieved, it is understood the trust would then revisit upgrading Carisbrook, an option expected to cost $50 million.
Prof Skegg said the project was an exciting opportunity for the city to consider something more than a traditional sports stadium, which sits unused for long periods.
The university and trust have signed a memorandum of understanding to look at including appropriate academic or service units, and research and teaching facilities within the complex.
