The Basin Reserve is a historic area and is ranked as one of the world’s top 10 cricket venues. It's known as one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and historic cricket grounds but is in need of work to ensure it continues to hold this reputation.
The 2015-25 Long Term Plan set aside $21.2 million for a ten year programme of development and refurbishment. The work involves discrete projects to be done over the ten years:
- upgrade the Groundsman's Cottage
- upgrade the RA Vance Stand
- refurbish the scoreboards
- relocate the Brierley Pavilion and use the resulting space to create a children’s playground and more terrace seating
- redevelop the Players' Pavilion
- either demolish or strengthen the Museum Stand
- improve public amenities including toilets, seating and entranceways.
The project goals
The work will:
- keep the Basin as New Zealand’s premier test cricket venue
- celebrate the heritage of cricket
- open up the ground for use as a local recreation space and a space for community activities
- strengthen the Basin’s ‘village green’ feel
- create a more connected and outward-facing Basin Reserve.
Progress report
These parts of the project are completed:
- New building for grounds keeping staff and preservation of the historic cottage
- Refurbishment of the R A Vance Stand
- Refurbishment of the iconic Basin Reserve scoreboard
- Refurbishment of the Players’ Pavilion
- Refurbishment of the terrace seating
- The Brierley Pavilion has been relocated to Zealandia
Parts of the project currently in process:
- Seismic strengthening and refurbishment of the Museum Stand
Future tasks:
- Improve public amenities including toilets, fences, embankments and entranceways
- New design for children’s play area
The original document developed for this project is available to view. See: The Basin Reserve – Our village green in the heart of the coolest little Capital.