FAQs
- Relocating the bowling green to HW Shortt Recreation Ground,
- Installing a synthetic playing surface,
- Reducing the tennis court provision by one court;
- Relocating the path between Muritai Road and Oroua Street
- Adding a new 3v3 basketball play area on the site.
- Hosting the information and survey on the Have Your Say platform, and
- Promoting it to ensure the community is aware of the opportunity to give feedback.
Why is the Eastbourne Bowling Club (EBC) proposing to relocate?
EBC has indicated that due to financial and membership constraints, it is questionable if the club can remain on its present site on Muritai Road. The Club is therefore considering selling and relocating to another site within Eastbourne to continue operating.
Where is the proposed new location?
The proposed site is part of the existing tennis courts at HW Shortt Recreation Ground, near the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club (ESSC). The proposal includes converting one of the three tennis courts into a synthetic bowling green.
Who is leading this project?
This proposal is being led by Eastbourne Bowling Club. The Eastbourne Community Board and the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club support the proposal in principle, subject to community consultation.
Hutt City Council is not running or funding the project. Council is supporting the community consultation process by hosting it on the Have Your Say platform and helping to ensure the information reaches the local community.
What changes are included in the proposal?
The key features of the proposal include:
What will happen to the existing tennis courts?
One of the three current courts would be repurposed for the proposed bowling green. Two courts would remain available for tennis.
Will there be changes to other facilities or clubs nearby?
The proposal involves co-locating the bowling club with the Eastbourne Sports and Services Club. The Muritai Croquet Club is not part of this proposal and would remain at its current location. The existing pedestrian path near the croquet club may be realigned as part of the site layout, but continued access will be maintained.
Is this proposal expected to affect access to public space?
According to the information provided by EBC, the proposal would retain public access through HW Shortt Recreation Ground, although the path currently servicing Oroua Street from Muritai Road may be relocated to accommodate site changes.
How is the proposal being funded?
The proposed relocation is intended to be funded through the sale of EBC’s current site. There is no financial contribution from Hutt City Council or ratepayers toward the project. Other than supporting the club through its public consultation process.
How would this proposal affect the club’s financial sustainability?
EBC has advised that moving to a synthetic green would reduce operating costs and provide more flexibility for additional activities, including local events, junior programmes, and corporate or interclub functions.
What role is Hutt City Council playing in this consultation?
Hutt City Council is not funding the project, Council is supporting the consultation process only, by:
Once the consultation has been concluded and the community has indicated its support or otherwise, Council will confirm if it makes this element of Shortt park available for the relocation.
How can the community share their views?
Feedback can be provided online only through the Have Your Say platform.
Consultation will run for three weeks from Monday 18 August to Monday 8 September.
What happens if the community does not support the proposal?
EBC has advised that if the relocation is not supported, they may need to consider alternative options, which could include disbanding or merging with another club outside Eastbourne. This would be a matter for EBC to consider.