The trees behind the grandstand in Queen Elizabeth Park may pose a potential problem for its upgrade. PHOTO/PAM GRAHAM
PAM GRAHAM
[email protected]
Work on upgrading the cricket grandstand in Queen Elizabeth Park will start next week even though a potential problem with the proximity of trees behind the stand has been identified.
The 124-year-old grandstand is getting new changing rooms, ablutions and earthquake strengthening work and according to Masterton District Council agendas the contract is for more than $500,000.
The work has been welcomed by the cricketing community and councillors.
But a report to the Infrastructural Services Committee last week said the initial site review undertaken with an arborist identified a high risk to listed trees adjacent to the grandstand.
An official said they would share more information with the committee once they had it.
A spokesman for the council said there was a potential issue with the proximity of trees.
The issue was not to do with roots.
At the back of the grandstand a line can be seen on the pathway indicating where the back of the building will extend to. It is not near tree roots but the limbs of some of the trees extend over the area.
The spokesman said the issue was being worked through and it would not delay the start of the work, which will be early next week.
The initial work on the grandstand is strengthening work being done at the front of the stand.
Wairarapa Cricket Association chairman David Parke has said the stand was a real focal point and centrepiece for cricket in Wairarapa and the work would bring the grandstand into the 21st century.
It is a major renovation and involves the reconfiguration of changing rooms, players facilities, and the long room.
