The people behind a planned multi-million-dollar east Auckland sports complex want to hear from anyone keen to help make it a success.
The Howick Pakuranga Community and Sports Centre (HPCSC) is undergoing a major transformation as it shifts from being a traditional rugby club into a community facility aimed at meeting the changing needs of a growing population.
Previously known as Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC), the organisation rebranded in 2022 to reflect a wider community focus.
HPCSC now supports more than 4,000 participants across a range of sports including rugby, netball, badminton, baseball, touch rugby, and American football.
The site in Lloyd Elsmore Park also hosts east Auckland’s only international-standard badminton facility.
In response to increased demand for indoor sports space, HPCSC is planning an expansion that would double the size of its gymnasium.
The proposed development includes 17 badminton courts, 2.5 multi-use courts, studio space for activities such as yoga and martial arts, and a commercial gym.
The centre also offers function and event spaces, such as the Montressors Function Centre and the Duffy Bell Lounge, that are used by a wide range of community groups.
The project has received over $8 million in funding from Auckland Council and $1.1 million in community contributions.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing, and HPCSC is seeking further support from individuals, businesses, and local organisations to complete the expansion.
Chairman Robert Neil says it’s more than just a sports facility.
“This is about building a legacy, a place where anyone in east Auckland, regardless of age, background or ability, can find their place, their people, and their purpose.”
PURC general manager Mike Anderson is another of the key people involved.
“We’re very close to being able to turn soil,” he says of the project.
“We’ve got to get 100 per cent of the funding behind us before we can leverage off that.
“We are very close to making that happen, but we need people to approach us and talk to us about how they may want to contribute toward this legacy project.
“Either by way of donations and or support in and around it. We’re that close that we want to hit the ‘go’ button, but we can’t do that until we’ve secured all the grant funding.”
Anderson believes it’s ironic that he can remember taking part in a fun run decades ago to help raise money for the construction of the original badminton hall at the complex.
“I now really want to be part of this as a legacy project. A lot of people who are attached to this rugby club see this as being a legacy project that’s going to help the east Auckland area to grow.
“This is going to open up east Auckland, not just from a rugby perspective but from a multi-sporting code perspective.
“All of our research indicates there’s a shortage in supply with regards to availability of gym space, and this particular site will open that up to try to satisfy some of that demand.”
- People interested in being part of the new Howick Pakuranga Community and Sports Centre can contact Mike Anderson by email at gm@purc.co.nz.
