Badminton Courts for Parklands

More than $200,000 is being sought from the Lotteries Board to allow additions to the Parklands Community Centre to go ahead.

Following consultation with community groups, the Council has agreed on the layout for additions to the existing centre but planning is held up while the extra funds are sought.

The centre, in Queenspark Road, opposite the shopping centre, was built by the former Waimairi District Council in the late 1960s and is now inadequate for the much bigger area which continues to grow.

Currently the centre has a sports hall and a smaller area used as a church. Residents told Burwood- Pegasus Community Board that they wanted a bigger community hall and one that could accommodate an area equivalent to two badminton courts.

The proposed layout incorporates these along with a lounge, toy library, storage facilities, a kitchen and toilets.

The intention is that the sports club currently using a prefabricated building near the centre could move into the existing sports hall.

The plan places the additions at the back of the present complex and over the carpark.

The preliminary estimate of cost for the additions and external work, such as car parking and drainage, is $875,000.

The Council has budgeted for $642,000 and lottery funds are sought for the shortfall. A decision is expected within the next few months.