Update on the future of our clubrooms
Recently there has been a lot of talk on the side-lines and in the media about the future of our Club. I want to take this opportunity to let you know what’s been happening and where we want to get to.
Firstly, I know there has been some speculation about moving in with Poneke RFC - following the planned redevelopment of their existing building. Just to be clear, we have no plans to move into Poneke’s clubrooms.
At the same time, we know that we cannot stay in our existing clubrooms forever. While they are very comfortable and suit us now, the location is not ideal. It is some distance from Evans Bay Park and a little difficult to get to.
As many will be aware, the Club has been looking at options for a clubroom on or near Evans Bay Park for some time. As part of this, we have been working with other Kilbirnie Park users such as Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, St Patricks College, Marist AFC, and Poneke RFC to form a longer term plan for the area where all clubs can get what they need & want. Options discussed have ranged from building a new facility near the south-eastern corner of Kilbirnie Park for Marist St Pats RFC, Marist AFC, Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, St Patricks College (and other community groups), to all sharing the existing Poneke facility.
This is part of a longer term plan. However, as the Poneke building requires some work now to make it fit for purpose they have successfully applied to Council for funding for redevelopment so they are able to share it with other groups. This is under the umbrella of the Toitu Poneke group which includes Poneke rugby and other groups. We are not part of this group. However, as Poneke RFC know, our longer tem goal is to be near Evans Bay Park, and they offered the opportunity to be part of the redevelopment.
While we appreciate their offer we are far from ready to make a decision on this or any other potential change of clubrooms. Any decision needs to be based on a clear view of what the club will look like in the future. We know, for example, that the social habits of our players are changing, and this may have an impact on what the Club needs from a clubroom.
Getting to a stage where we have a clear plan for our future will involve a lot of discussion with club members, talking with a range of stakeholders such as the WCC and Wellington Rugby, and looking at what other clubs have done and are doing.
While this is happening we are staying at Hataitai, and I look forward to hearing your views on what you think our options are. There will be plenty of opportunity for your input and we’ll keep players and supporters informed along the way.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with me or any Board member. We look forward to seeing you at the club for a drink and a chat.
Mike Hansen
Chairman – Marist St Pats RFC
MSP Supporters
Shamrock Club
