Development of a sports hub at Logan Park, Dunedin, still looks to be some way off.
However, a cohesive way forward may yet be found for various sports at what is considered a key reserve in the city.
City elected officials will decide this week if a reserve management plan for the area should be formed as a priority.
They could decide instead to push on to establish a sports administration hub without such a plan, but that could result in an ill-conceived programme that does not fit well with city needs, council staff signalled in a report.
Among the perceived issues at Logan Park is how well it is used — almost too much.
Several organisations indicated a preference for easing pressure on Logan Park by spreading sport and facilities out to other locations.
Insufficient indoor playing space in the city is another concern.
Gymnastics has been identified as the sport most in need of suitable indoor facilities.
The labelling of the University of Otago Oval grandstand as earthquake-prone is another factor in the mix.
One seismic strengthening option is to provide for an additional 900sqm of indoor floor space spread over several levels.
Pushing on with a sports hub immediately could limit consideration of opportunities created from seismic strengthening of the grandstand, council staff said.
The council had discussions with various sports bodies in July and August last year.
In October, Sport Otago chief executive John Brimble said the proposed sports hub was still at the conceptual stage.
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Comments
It is hardly surprising that there is little money left in council coffers for non cycling sports. DCC are totally myopic in allocation tens of millions into cycling tracks which are lightly used.
Having already spend about $100 million on cycleways and bike tracks, last week we again had the mayor and other people lamenting the lack of funds for their $30 to 40 million bike track from Mosgeil to Caversham.
So relax sports people of Dunedin, be assured council is pouring endless millions into sport. Just not your sport. Unless you're one of the handfull of cyclists.