27 Aug 2011

Wellington sports centre opens

12:32 pm on 27 August 2011

Wellington's long-awaited indoor sports centre has finally opened to the public after a decade of hurdles.

The ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie has been finished just in time to be used as a training facility for the Rugby World Cup.

Councillors were divided over where the $48 million facility should be located and raised concerns it would create even more traffic congestion.

Parent Phil Hamill, who was at the opening on Saturday, said he's been looking forward to being able to use the sports centre.

"All the grounds near here just get saturated during the winter time so it'll be great to have an indoor alternative."

The 12-court facility includes seating for 2200 spectators and 317 off-street car parks.

Bill Jackson, who lives nearby, says it's a great facility but worries there's not enough parking for all the cars at the big events.

The public will get a chance to use the centre from the end of October.