$24.2m redevelopment of Aorangi Stadium begins

Friday, 18 July 2025

Road cones at Aorangi Park in Timaru on Friday where preparations are under way ahead of the stadium’s upgrade.

On-site work has begun in preparation for the Timaru District Council’s $24.2 million redevelopment at Aorangi Park, with the upgrade to the existing facility expected to start in October.

As part of the redevelopment, Aorangi Stadium, in Morgans Rd, will be strengthened and a new eight-court facility built adjacent with a link building containing a gym and function room.

Civil work and utility diversions are under way at the site, and work on the new part of the stadium is expected to start in January. The entire project is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

Timaru deputy mayor Scott Shannon welcomed the start of the work.

“This is a major investment in our community and will bring modern and high-quality facilities for our local sports codes, as well as proving the capacity to hold regional and national-scale tournaments,’’ he said.

Saturday netball at Aorangi Park in May with the stadium in the background. The entire redevelopment is expected to be done by mid-2027.

“We’re also pleased that the design chosen still enables us to continue to have a venue for large-scale events and conventions, while still enabling sport to take place.’’

Once complete, the stadium would be a “cornerstone of sport and recreation in our district for generations to come”, he said.

The development was designed and is being built by Timaru-based company Thompson Construction and Engineering.

Thompson contracts manager Emily Hill-Pitt said the company was looking forward to starting the construction phase of such a major community project.

“We are honoured to be working with the Timaru District Council and ultimately for our community on this project,” she said.

“As members of the community ourselves, our team and local subcontractors take great pride in contributing to a facility they’ll also enjoy and benefit from.”