The redevelopment of the recreational space was estimated to cost $12 million. The slow and delayed redevelopment led to the reconsideration of the program, which will now involve only the redevelopment of the old cricket pavilion located on the western side, to be completed within a period of 12 months.
The remaining project and the budget for the project will also be revised and presented to councilors for public consideration. The plan was initially submitted in 2005, and ever since, the area has seen significant changes. The upcoming Forsyth Barr Stadium on the edge of the park led to a major reconsideration.
The original plans featured new facilities at Logan Park for tennis, athletics, squash and the New Zealand Academy of Sport: South Island. Unipol was to be replaced by a new complex for tertiary students; an addition was to be made to the Caledonian track grandstand. Hockey and soccer facility was to be added and parking space for about 400 cars was to be included. The plan also included the removal of the Dunedin art gallery, adjoining the University Oval cricket ground.
The initial plan to build a car park building with an artificial sports turf on its roof after demolishing the cricket pavilion have also been scrapped. The council is now preparing a detailed plan for the pavilion to include more secure and changing facilities. A veranda for shelter and an extension of the pavilion toward the McMillan Centre hockey facilities would also be done.
The reviewed plans will still host the seven principles to preserve the character of the area of location. The project is expected to be completed by July 2010, using approximately $3 million of the council’s money.
About $50,000 on preliminary concept designs have already been spent.
