News

The Surrey Park Grandstand in Invercargill is set to receive significant upgrades as part of an earthquake strengthening project. Built in 1964, the grandstand will be updated to meet modern safety standards while maintaining its role as a key community asset. The work will be undertaken by Amalgamated Builders Ltd.

Council Manager for Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the upgrade would “ensure the grandstand met user safety requirements, and was retained as a regional asset for the community.”

The grandstand serves as a hub for various sports organisations, including Athletics Invercargill and the Waihōpai AFC Football Club. “The grandstand at Surrey Park is an important asset, not just for our city’s athletics and football communities, but for the people of Invercargill and Southland,” Rain said.

Rain reflected on the region’s sporting legacy, saying, “Southland has a rich sporting history, which has been rightly celebrated by our province numerous times in the past. The upgrade of the Surrey Park grandstand will ensure this asset continues to be enjoyed by future generations – and, no doubt, will be the place where members of our community can cheer on Southland’s sporting talents of tomorrow.”

The project will begin with site establishment in mid-November, followed by construction to bring the grandstand to 34 percent of current earthquake standards. Alongside the structural improvements, a new roof will be installed, and additional enhancements will be made.

Initially, plans included demolishing the facility and constructing a new build, with $1.5 million allocated in the 2021 Long-term Plan. However, the approach was modified to stay within budget while retaining the existing structure.

Rain confirmed that the grandstand would be closed during construction, which is expected to conclude by May 2025. “It’s a really positive outcome, and we are looking forward to seeing the Surrey Park Grandstand continued to be enjoyed in the future.”