New Amberley cricket ground gets green light

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.

The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.

Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.

At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.

Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.

A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.

A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.

An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.

Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.

Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.

While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.

Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.

Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.

‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’

Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.

He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.

While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.

‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’

Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.

Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.

Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.