New plans are being drafted for the redevelopment of Waimate Stadium, including a two-court facility rather than just one court, following the announcement of sponsorship from Waimate businessman Gary Rooney.
In May, the Waimate District Council heard submissions on its plan to upgrade the town's 40-year-old stadium.
There was considerable discussion surrounding the need for the council to provide a two-court facility, rather than one court, which was presented in the concept design.
In a submission, Mr Rooney said he supported the council's concept of establishing a modern, multi-purpose facility on the existing site, but he was adamant it should be a two-court facility to accommodate a broader range of sporting codes and other uses.
Mr Rooney offered sponsorship for an improved project.
''Since then, everyone has been very busy working through options and we are now pleased to announce that plans are being drafted and agreement in principle has been reached between Gary and council on the terms for the provision of a two-court facility,'' Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley said.
The final design must be approved by Mr Rooney and the Waimate District Council, and users will be consulted again before plans for the interior are finalised.
''Gary has agreed to provide sponsorship of a level which ensures that there will be no additional call on ratepayer funding to provide the two-court facility,'' Mr Rowley said.
''Just as importantly, he has also agreed to take full responsibility for the project build and this will ensure that council will not have any risk of budget over-runs.''
Mr Rowley said the council was very grateful for Mr Rooney's generous sponsorship.
Without it, a two-court facility would have been beyond what the community could afford, he said.
