The sod has been turned on a major new project to improve the home of east Auckland’s Howick Bowling Club.
A building consent has been approved and a contract signed with groundworks and the construction of its new canopy now under way.
The people involved recently gathered at the club’s premises in Selwyn Road to celebrate milestone.
The project will deliver an all-weather canopy over the club’s D Green, enabling year-round bowling, safer sun protection, and more flexible community use.
“This project has been a long time coming and we’re thrilled to break ground,” Howick Bowling Club’s Rod Sadgrove says.
“The new canopy will help our members and local families enjoy bowls in all seasons and will create a more welcoming community space.”
Dean Bartlett, the chief executive of Bowls Auckland, adds: “This is a significant investment in bowls infrastructure for east Auckland.
“We’re delighted to support the club and its partners as they improve facilities that will grow participation and benefit the community for years to come.”
The club is partnering with Shade Systems NZ to install the new structure, with its sales consultant Adam Cherrie saying the finished canopy is designed to serve generations of bowlers and community users.
Speaking at the ceremony to break ground for the work to begin, Cherrie said the new canopy is a “huge project” not just for Howick Bowling Club but also for the sport of bowls in Auckland and New Zealand.
“Thank you for coming and playing a part, Dean [Bartlett] and team.
“What a fantastic club and to be able to hold all sorts of events for years and generations to come, it’s really good for the game.
“Thanks to Auckland Council for your contribution in making this project happen.”
Club president Brian Jago thanked everyone who turned out to mark the important occasion and said he particularly wanted to acknowledge the contribution from the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council.
“Thank you to Bowls Auckland for encouraging us and keeping us going on this project, and as Adam [Cherrie] said, it’s been something like six years since we started this project.
“We’ve been through Covid … but now we’ve got holes in the ground and we’re ready to go.
“Thank you, Adam, for your perseverance as well, and I’ll acknowledge all the club members who have persevered with us in that time as well. Thank you all very much and let’s make it happen.”
A time-lapse camera will document construction progress for club records and future sharing with the community.
