Petone Grandstand Project

Background

The Petone Grandstand at Petone Recreation Ground has been a longstanding feature of the local sporting landscape since it was built in the late 1930s. Over time, the structure has deteriorated and now presents serious safety concerns. A recent seismic assessment rated the grandstand at just 20% of the New Building Standard (NBS), which means it poses a high risk in the event of a moderate earthquake.

The grandstand seating area has been closed to the public for health and safety reasons. While the ground floor changing rooms are still in use, access to the upper levels is restricted and further measures are being put in place to prevent unauthorised entry.

In the Long Term Plan 2024–2034 Council allocated a capped budget of $20M to three Petone projects and asked for community feedback on how this should be allocated. In response to that feedback, the wharf and hub were prioritised and the Grandstand was allocated a capped budget of $3 million. This budget includes all project-related costs such as condition assessments, design, consents, and construction.

Since then, engineering investigations and concept designs have been completed. While early estimates suggested strengthening might be achievable within budget, updated costs now indicate that even basic seismic upgrade options exceed the available funding, and do not cover full refurbishment.

Council is now reviewing a range of options for the site, including partial upgrades, demolition and replacement with a modern modular facility, or potential community-led solutions under a lease arrangement.

Below is a set of frequently asked questions to help clarify the current status, funding, and options being considered.

Why is the Petone Grandstand closed?

The grandstand seating area has been closed due to safety concerns. A detailed seismic assessment rated the building at just 20% of the New Building Standard (NBS) – considered seismic Grade D. This means it poses a high risk to users in the event of a moderate earthquake.

Is any part of the grandstand still in use?

Yes. The ground floor changing rooms are still in use by sports clubs. Public access to the seating and upper levels has been restricted for safety reasons. Additional measures are being put in place to prevent unauthorised access.

What condition is the grandstand in?

The grandstand, built in the late 1930s, has significant structural issues.  More investigation may be needed on some parts of the structure, including its vertical supports.

What strengthening options have been considered?

Three options have been assessed:

  • Option 1: Full seismic strengthening of the building, keeping the current layout, roof and seating capacity.
  • Option 2: Strengthening, keeping the current roof, withreduced  seating capacity (300 people) to reduce costs and compliance requirements.
  • Option 3: Strengthening of the changing rooms only, with a new roof and no grandstand seating.

Does Option 1 provide full refurbishment of the grandstand?

No. Option 1 focuses on essential seismic strengthening only — it does not include full refurbishment or cosmetic repair of the building.

While Option 1 retains the grandstand’s existing layout and seating capacity, the cost estimate only covers structural work needed to meet earthquake safety standards.

It does not include:

  • Cosmetic repairs (e.g. painting, plastering)
  • Layout or amenity upgrades
  • Asbestos removal
  • Reinstatement after strengthening
  • Detailed design and project management
  • Building or resource consent costs

This means that significant work would still be required, and additional funding would be needed to bring the grandstand up to a fully usable and modernised standard.

How much would each option for only the seismic strengthening cost?

Updated cost estimates are:

  • Option 1: $3.09 million
  • Option 2: $3.16 million
  • Option 3: $2.93 million

These estimates include a 15% contingency  for seismic strengthening but do not cover additional work required to fully restore or upgrade the building. Given the age of the building, a more appropriate contingency would sit at 25%. This is due to the increased risk of unknown faults that will likely require remediation as the project progresses.

How much funding is available?

Council has allocated a total of $3 million for the Petone Grandstand project in the Long-Term Plan 2024–2034. This includes all costs related to planning, design, and construction.

To date, $223,539 has already been spent on condition assessments, early design work, and fire and access reporting. This leaves approximately $2.78 million remaining.

Is it true that strengthening work is within budget?

No. While early estimates suggested the work might be achievable within budget, more detailed engineering and design work has confirmed that even basic strengthening options are close to or exceed the full $3 million budget.

These estimates do not include:

  • Cosmetic repairs or fit out
  • Asbestos removal
  • Detailed design or project management
  • Building or resource consents

A full refurbishment would require additional funding beyond what is currently available.

What are the other options being looked at?

In addition to strengthening, Council is also considering:

  • Demolition of the grandstand and installation of a smaller modular facility to provide changing rooms, with limited permanent seating if budget allows.
  • Divesting the building and remaining budget to a non-profit community organisation, which would be responsible for completing any upgrade work and managing the facility under a lease arrangement.

Has the community been informed?

Yes. The updated information and options have been shared with the Petone Rugby Club, Petone Community Board, and the Pito One Projects Steering Group and are reported regularly to the Communities, Culture and Partnership Committee.

Is the grandstand heritage protected?

The grandstand is not formally heritage listed, but it is recognised as having local historic value due to its long-standing role in the Petone sporting community.