Scaffolding has been erected around Tahuna Park for a major redevelopment, and poles for floodlighting have arrived at Tahuna Park, Logan Park No6 and the Caledonian Ground as part of a $1.5 million development to turn them into quality training facilities for the teams.
Southern Football chief executive Dougal McGowan said a total revamp of Tahuna Park’s changing facilities and seating had begun, and floodlighting for Tahuna, Logan Park No.6 and the Caledonian was expected to begin next month.
A further $135,000 would be spent improving Forsyth Barr Stadium, where the matches would be played.
Funding for the developments was provided by Fifa; the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; and Sport New Zealand via New Zealand Football, he said.
"It’s really exciting facility-wise, because these are all good public facilities that are used across multiple sports and activities, and it’s making them so they are more accessible and gender-neutral.
"It’s going to be a massive asset for the city."
He said it would also make the city much more attractive for future international events.
The developments are among many sporting facility upgrades taking place around New Zealand ahead of the cup.
Overall, the Government was spending about $19 million to support upgrades at 30 of the 32 potential sporting facilities earmarked for the tournament, including pitch, lighting and facility enhancements and gender-neutral changing spaces.
The venues and local councils are also contributing to the costs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson said the cup was expected to generate significant social and economic benefits for New Zealand.
He said the upgrades were critical to ensure the success of the tournament, but would also benefit local communities, football clubs and many different sporting codes that used the facilities.
The international event runs from July 20 to August 20.
