Lansdowne Park

The revamp of Lansdowne Park is underway as the Marlborough District Council looks at ways to make best use of the nine hectares it purchased from the Marlborough Rugby Union 18 months ago.

Plans to deal with drainage problems at the sports grounds are well advanced.

In the past, the embankment surrounding the park has prevented water flowing off the naturally low-lying grounds so ponding has been an issue in wet weather.

In less than 18 months the ground will be host to the visiting Russian World Cup Rugby team, who will train at this venue.

The first stage of the drainage work, improvements to the outer drainage catchment, will be done at the end of this rugby season, about October. Work on the surface of the playing field will then be completed to bring the ground up to standards set by the Rugby World Cup organisers.

“We don’t have to do much to the pitch itself – mainly weed control and a bit of re-seeding – but the requirements are higher than those set for the Air New Zealand Cup,” said Robert Hutchinson, Reserves and Amenities Officer.

The District Council has already installed ‘wing walls’ on the western grandstand; safety features at the exit points from the grandstand to make it safer when a big crowd empties out of the seating at a game’s end.

“We’re also planning to install a playground somewhere on the property. It will offer an alternative entertainment to occupy younger children while a sports game is on,” says Mr Hutchinson.