Work has started on the demolition of the netball pavilion in Gisborne’s Victoria Domain, paving the way for the redevelopment of the facility.

“It’s about time,” Deputy Mayor Josh Wharehinga said.

“I would have loved for those new facilities for our netball players to be available earlier [but] better late than never. I’m so excited.”

Trust Tairāwhiti last month approved up to $6.9 million to fund phase 1 of the planned multisport hub, the largest single investment it has ever made.

The Victoria Sports and Recreation Hub (VSRH), earlier estimated to cost up to $30m for all phases, will combine netball, basketball, tennis, pickleball and squash into a recreational facility at Victoria Domain.

Phase 1 will also include upgrading and repurposing the netball courts.

That comprises resurfacing nine asphalt netball courts; adding three multi-use rebound ace surfaces for netball, basketball, tennis and pickleball; replacing the existing netball tower facility; and conducting a carbon footprint assessment of the resurfacing.

Wharehinga said as a father of five daughters who spent much time at the netball courts, he welcomed the development.

“It will be a stunning centrepiece for the future of sport in Tairāwhiti”.

Wharehinga and Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti chief executive Stefan Pishief acknowledged the various parties involved in the development.

Pishief said the start of work on the development was a significant milestone.

“It’s been a long time coming.”

Gisborne Netball Centre (GNC) manager Allisa Hall said netball was grateful for the work of the hub board, and for Trust Tairāwhiti’s generosity with its funding.

“We moved out of the pavilion before we closed for the Christmas break, and the Gisborne Netball Centre board and staff are excited to see work on the facility upgrade finally begin,” Hall said.

“Our pavilion had been deteriorating, and this is a much-needed upgrade, but we want to acknowledge the pioneering women of the past committees who fundraised and put in so much work to build the pavilion that’s serviced our community since the 1950s.

Hall said the pavilion had been “a well-utilised asset” for a few generations.

“We are currently working on some scenarios for our Pak’nSave netball season and look forward to getting some options out to our community soon,” she said.

“I’m sure everyone will agree a later starting season will be worth it to have wonderful, new courts to play on.”

In the meantime, GNC has an office set up in the old dental clinic at Gisborne Intermediate.

“We appreciate the school allowing us to utilise that space while upgrades are under way,” Hall said.

“Our staff can still be contacted via the same emails, cell numbers and messenger as previously.”

Rongowhakaata kaumātua Taharakau Stewart blessed the site, saying Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, like the sun, welcomed all users of the resulting facilities.

Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by May.

The project is part of the Tairāwhiti Community Facilities “Early Wins” initiative, which addresses the ageing infrastructure highlighted in the 2018 Regional Community Facilities Strategy.