As a “precautionary measure,” Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) with Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) will over the next few months, at various times while work is being undertaken, close the grandstand, or restrict the number of people sitting on the grandstand at Tereora/National Stadium to 75, effective immediately.
This announcement follows a detailed structural assessment of the grandstand at the National Stadium in March this year by Calibre Consulting Ltd.
CIIC Chief Executive Officer Allan Jensen says a structural engineering firm was engaged by CIIC to assess the grandstand for developing a longer term plan for required works to future proof the stadium’s infrastructure and facilities and as part of its periodic asset management programme. The assessment formalised the condition of the grandstand and identified the extent of maintenance and rehabilitation works required, given the age of the grandstand, and better inform decisions on future investments at the stadium.
Mr Jensen says the assessment has not surprisingly identified some corrosion to the structural steel that supports the concrete seats, as well as other issues to address in the short and medium term. Excessive rainfalls causing drainage issues have and are affecting the structure and foundations, and these drainage issues are part of the plan to be addressed.
Targeted remedial work is set to start in the next month or two, following final design and scoping, and will likely be completed by September 2023, Mr Jensen says. This will enable the return to full capacity seating on the grandstand. Ongoing remedial work is expected following targeted remedial work over the following months, to future proof the grandstand.
To manage the number of people sitting on the grandstand at one time, cordons, barriers, and signage will be put in place on the grandstand.
Stadium staff will be present while the stadium is open to ensure no persons use the grandstand or enforce the 75 person limit is managed when this is applicable.
Members of the public can continue to use and enjoy selected areas of the grandstand and there will otherwise be full access to the wider stadium and public amenities for their convenience during opening hours.
Large events will be managed between CISNOC and CIIC on a case-by-case basis.
Along the first few seating rows up from the base, cordons, barriers, and signs will be placed, which will specify conditions of use.
