Work begins on City's newest sporting asset

David Wiltshire

Jan 13, 2006

The first sod has been turned in the $1.9 million Club Palmerston complex.

Construction began on the Linton Street site this week, following work to clear the site late last year.

The development will see the existing SquashGym Palmerston North clubrooms transformed into New Zealand’s premier squash facility in time to host the World Junior Championships from 17 – 28 July this year.

The new facilities, a joint venture between Squash Palmerston North, the Palmerston North Bowling Club and the Cosmopolitan Club, will result in a top class sports and leisure facility, with purpose built function rooms to be shared by the three clubs and available to the wider community. The new facility will be officially named Club Palmerston.

Club’s chairman Grant Smith believes the development will bring a new standard of facilities not seen before in New Zealand, “The development will provide a legacy for the city and is already attracting interest for hosting other events”.

Kynock Construction of Palmerston North are the development contractors and other work will be carried out by local sub-contractors. “We’ve been determined to use local people as much as we can. Involvement of the community, economic impact and attracting attention for the city were all components of our bid for the World Juniors and are a big part of the rationale behind Club Palmerston”, says Mr Smith.

Squash Palmerston North is one of Squash New Zealand's premier club's and was host to the 1971 World Men's Championships. The club has a proud history and this extensive redevelopment will give the club 8 glass-back courts with a full championship court. In addition an all-glass court will be erected for both individuals and teams finals at the internationally recognised event centre - Arena Manawatu.

 More than 22 international teams have registered for the tournament.