The Sir Brian Lochore Stand at Masterton’s Trust House Memorial Park. PHOTO/FILE
JESSICA MORRIS
The reopening of the Sir Brian Lochore Stand in Masterton’s Trust House Memorial Park is fast approaching, and it’s a day which can’t come soon enough for the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union.
The union will be holding their premier club finals at the grounds on July 28, and chief executive Tony Hargood says the reopening comes as great news for players and sporting fans alike.
“I’m over the moon, we can breathe a big sigh of relief,” he said.
The grandstand was closed in January of this year after a structural engineering report found the earthquake rating fell below the required standard.
It was a closure that Mr Hargood said had been “a bit of a nightmare” for the union, but the clubs had been great about handling the disruption.
Work has been under way on the grandstand since May, with earthquake-strengthening taking place on the lower level of the stand.
The council says the restrengthening work on the grandstand is right on track, with work scheduled to be finished by July 8.
Speaking at a Masterton District Council committee meeting on Wednesday, community facilities and activities manager Andrea Jackson said the council was pleased with the progress being made ahead of the reopening.
“The Memorial Park grandstand work is well under way.
“We’re comfortable with where we’re at in terms of financial and timing for that project.”
