The West Stand has been repaired, with the focus on major earthquake strengthening works such as improvements to ground stability, foundation tiebacks and new steel beams.
The West Stand has been repaired, with the focus on major earthquake strengthening works such as improvements to ground stability, foundation tiebacks and new steel beams.
The stand closed in 2018 after it was found to be earthquake-prone. Refurbishment work started with the removal of all bleachers and seating to gain access to the ground below and the stand’s structural components.
Massive stabilisation piles were driven into the ground in front of the stand and new structural beams were added to the facility. After this work was completed, the bleachers were returned and the seats, which had been given a spruce up, were put back in place.
The stand was future-proofed by the addition of a new roof. This work won the Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand Supreme Award in 2023.
The West Stand reopened to the public in 2022.
Other redevelopment work which was carried out at the same time as the West Stand repairs included the replacement of the main pitch with the new hybrid ‘GrassMaster’ hybrid turf. This turf, a blend of natural grass grown through and among artificial fibres, gives the pitch a longer life with shorter recovery times.
The stadium’s floodlights have also been replaced with eco-friendly LED lights which have increased illumination by 50% while reducing power by 30%.
At a glance:
- The stabilisation piles were driven 12 metres into the ground.
- The lead contractor was New Plymouth’s Clelands Construction.
- The West Stand reopened on 3 September 2022.
- The stand and the stadium sold out when the Taranaki Bulls won the Bunnings NPC Championship in October 2023.
- The hybrid turf on the main pitch is expected to have a lifespan of 15 years and up to 1,000 hours of playing time a year.
- It is used on more than 640 pitches worldwide including 80% of clubs in the UK’s Premier League.
- About 2,250m2 of high-spec Serge Ferrari PVC was used to create the new roof.