Working Group Formed To Move New Stadium Forward

A new stadium for Southland is gaining momentum, with the working group involved in its feasibility given the go ahead this week.

On Tuesday, Invercargill City Council’s Community Wellbeing and Regulatory Committee backed the creation of the group that would also include representatives from Rugby Southland and Active Southland.

It follows a decision from the council in May led by Mayor Nobby Clark who was looking more futuristic into a new ‘purpose-built’ facility for the city that could facilitate many different sports and codes, not just rugby.

This meant scheduled work on Rugby Park totalling $2.8 million had been put on hold in 2025 from funding allocated in the Long Term Plan.

Work totally $1.2 million had already been commenced, contracted and consented for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year. This strengthening work is related to the main stand (which is earthquake-prone) and some improvements to Level 1 and pre-roof work, such as micro piles. 

In 2021 consultants also found that if they kept the stadium it would be better utilised by improving it and making it more multi-purpose.

Work for exploring the right home for a regional outdoor stadium in the future may still include the Rugby Park site either in its current or a new form. 

A final report should be presented to council in the early stages of next year, but a concept development proposal for a regional outdoor stadium has now been made public.

The project brief covered such topics as the future of rugby, issues and opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation, and community entertainment.

Passionate fans and supporters have been coming to Rugby Park to watch provincial matches since 1908 when it was first built.