After eight months of earthquake strengthening, an iconic Invercargill sports venue is ready once again to host national competitions and support local teams.

An iconic Invercargill sports facility can once again support local teams and host national competitions, following eight months of earthquake strengthening work.

Councillors, Council staff and lease holding clubs gathered on Thursday to mark the reopening of Surrey Park Grandstand, which had been brought up to modern building code standards as part of an Invercargill City Council Long-term Plan project.

Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the 60-year-old grandstand was a significant asset for the wider Southland region and it was important to ensure it was safe and structurally sound.

“The future is looking bright for local athletics and community sports as this project crosses the finish line,” she said. “I’m proud to see the grandstand brought back up to a standard where it can continue to be enjoyed by the people of Invercargill and Southland for years to come.”

Originally built in 1964, Surrey Park Grandstand suffered structural weaknesses, including corrosion and sections of unreinforced masonry, which had become an earthquake risk.

Council committed $1.8 million to address these issues following community consultation as part of the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan, with an initial aspiration to demolish the structure and rebuild something entirely new.

Rain said the plan was adapted to ensure the most effective use of ratepayers’ money, after it was identified that a new build would be significantly over budget. “Repairing the old grandstand meant we could complete the project with the money we had while retaining this important community facility.”

Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain visits Surrey Park Grandstand, which has reopened to the public following earthquake strengthening work. Photo: Supplied

As well as being home to the Waihōpai Football Club and Athletics Southland clubrooms, the grandstand was necessary for hosting national athletics events, such as the Colgate Games and Interprovincial Games.

Rain said the refurbished grandstand would allow Surrey Park to be fully utilised, while complementing other recent improvements, including upgraded softball diamonds and a new pavilion facility. “We are thankful for the smooth execution of this project by the contractor, ABL Invercargill, and the patience of the lease holding clubs, who can once again use Surrey Park to its full potential.”