Projects

Yarrow Stadium

Client
  • Taranaki Stadium Trust
Location
  • Taranaki

After a two-year displacement, the Taranaki Rugby team's unforgettable NPC final victory on the unfinished grounds of Yarrow Stadium was a moment that will be etched in the community's memory forever. The Yarrow Stadium is not just being rebuilt; it is being reimagined and has become more than just a construction project and turned into a significant community hub.  

Because of needed seismic strengthening after the Kaikoura earthquake, the redevelopment of Yarrow Stadium began in 2019 and was expected to be completed in stages, with significant progress made by 2021. Brought on board by the Taranaki Regional Council, RCP provided Engineer to Contract and Project Management services overseeing the East and West Stand Projects, lighting upgrades, and new turf. The East Stand, demolished and rebuilt due to poor ground conditions and weak foundations, now reflects a more modern design that can cater to a diverse range of events and is more accessible for users. The integration of cultural elements into the design has also reinforced the stadium's connection with local iwi. 

The West Stand now boasts improved ground stability with new steel beams and upgraded lighting. The lighting upgrade is particularly noteworthy, increasing brightness by 50% while reducing power consumption by 30%, showcasing the commitment to sustainability. The main pitch, replaced with a hybrid turf system, offers a 15-year lifespan and enhanced flexibility, ensuring the stadium can host a variety of events with ease. These upgrades are not just technical improvements but also enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike, making Yarrow Stadium a premier venue in the region. The demolition of the East Stand also achieved 82% of material being recycled and avoiding landfill. This included 520 tonnes of steel and 1850 tonnes of concrete.  

Key to the project's success is its multifaceted approach, designed to cater to both community and major sporting events. The redevelopment involves high public engagement with stakeholders. The project is being delivered in five construction phases with separate contracts, all within an overall budget of circa $80 million. This structured approach allows for partial use of the stadium before its final completion, maintaining a balance between ongoing construction and community access. 

The journey has not been without its challenges. The original site, a former swamp, presented significant groundwork issues. Material cost increases of 40% and COVID-19 lockdowns impacted the budget and timeline, requiring intensive value engineering. Despite these hurdles, the project team successfully redesigned the East Stand without losing seating capacity or square meterage. The experience and leadership of RCP have been crucial, balancing budget constraints without compromising the stadium's functionality or architectural integrity. 

It is expected that the Yarrow Stadium will be fully completed in March 2025.