Whakatāne War Memorial Hall indoor stadium will be closed to the public for a period of three weeks to allow contractors to carry out scheduled maintenance and improvement works at the facility.

The stadium will close tomorrow (Thursday, 18 July) and reopen on Friday, 9 August 2024. Whakatāne District Council Manager Properties and Facilities Assets Paul Check, says the closure is due to necessary maintenance in order for the facility to continue to operate efficiently and safely.

“During the closure we’ll be installing energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the stadium.” Paul continues, “We’re absolutely rapt to have received a generous grant from Trust Horizon to bring state-of-the-art lighting to our community facility.”

The upgrade will enhance stadium lighting for all sporting codes while significantly reducing energy consumption and costs. The new lighting is able to be de-installed when any future redevelopment works are carried out and then reused.

Paul says during the stadium closure long-pending maintenance tasks within the stadium will also be addressed. 

“While the stadium is closed for the lighting upgrade, we’ll also be removing asbestos from the bathroom ceilings.”

Contacts for regular bookings have been advised of the closure and affected groups have been supported by Council staff to arrange alternative venues. The reception lounge, foyer, and Little Theatre will be unaffected during the stadium closure.

In addition, planning is underway to repair the leaking roof above the reception area and Little Theatre. We anticipate this work will not require a closure of the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall complex and a further update will be provided once dates for this essential maintenance are confirmed. Further information regarding the next steps for the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub master planning process will be finalised following formal adoption of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034. 

For further information or enquiries, please email openplacesadmin@whakatane.govt.nz