Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub Redevelopment

The Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub is a 17-hectare recreation precinct in central Whakatāne – one of our district's most loved community assets.

Originally known as the Whakatāne Domain, the area has grown over the decades to include:

• Whakatāne War Memorial Hall
• Rex Morpeth Park
• Rugby Park
• Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre
• Whakatāne Arts and Craft Centre

Together, these facilities serve as the primary sport and recreation hub for Whakatāne and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty. Schools, sports clubs, performing arts groups, and the wider community all rely on these spaces for sport, events, and recreation.

The project

While the hub has served the district well, but it now needs investment to address two main issues:

Historical under-investment and a significant renewals backlog

The lack of sustained investment means some facilities are no longer fit for purpose. This is particularly evident in the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall, where renewals have been deferred for about 20 years. 

Investment is now required to address:

• Deteriorating buildings and infrastructure
• Health and safety issues
• Accessibility barriers
• Facilities that no longer work well for users
• General wear and tear

Insufficient capacity and flexibility to meet growing demand

Many facilities no longer provide the space, flexability, or modern design needed to meet community demand - now and into the future. Current use patterns show we're running out of capacity, particularly for:

• Indoor court availability and flexibility
• Car parking capacity and configuration

Wider issues and opportunities identified

There are also opportunities to improve:

• Access and connectivity (walking, cycling, driving)
• The layout and flow of the precinct
• How the hub reflects local culture and history
• Ability to host larger events, tournaments, and concerts

What has been approved?

During the 2024 Long Term Plan (LTP) deliberations, the Council considered a preferred Concept Plan for the Hub and community feedback.

While there was strong support for investing in this important community asset, the $100m price tag was a major concern.

The community’s message was clear: fix the urgent issues first, then consider the wider redevelopment.

In response, and following the adoption of the 2024–2034 LTP, the project is now delivered in two phases:

Phase one: 2024-2028 (Current phase)

Up to $7.8 million allocated for:

• Functional upgrades - health and safety improvements and works to make facilities more usable.
• Concept plan finalisation - developing an affordable concept plan that meet investment goals.
• External funding plan - preparing to seek co-funding for the major redevelopment.

Phase two: From 2029 (Subject to funding)

• Major redevelopment works.
• Phase 2 will only go ahead once external funding is secured and the Council makes a formal stop/go decision through the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan process (scheduled for June 2027).

Phase one progress

Project governance

A specialist Project Steering Group has been set up to guide the project and provide expert input. The group includes:

• Elected Council representatives
• Community Board representation
• Sport Bay of Plenty representation
• Independent experts in infrastructure and project delivery
• Ngāti Awa representation
• Senior members of Whakatāne District Council leadership team

Understanding the condition of our facilities

Significant assessment work has been undertaken to understand the condition, safety, accessibility, and how well the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub facilities are working. This work has confirmed extensive deterioration and outdated design across the site.

The Whakatāne War Memorial Hall has emerged as the most critical priority. It has the most serious health and safety issues, accessibility barriers, and operational constraints – and it's also the most widely used facility in the Hub. This means the War Memorial Hall will be the main focus of Phase 1 Functional Upgrade investment.

Functional upgrades

Work completed

Works completed to date include:

• New energy-efficient LED stadium lighting (thanks to Trust Horizon)
• Replacement of the reception area roof - ending years of leaks
• Removal of old asbestos from bathrooms and foyer areas
• Repair of damaged ceiling panels

Work underway

• Sports field lighting is being installed on the main field at Rugby Park, thanks to a generous grant from Trust Horizon. This work will be completed in time for the 2025 rugby season.
• Targeted works in the Little Theatre Back of House zone to address imminent safety and functionality issues  

Future functional upgrades

The functional upgrades are being delivered in two tranches to ensure smart, efficient delivery. 

Tranche one (Current - October 2025)

Works that can start quickly due with minimal design and consenting requirements, and little to no disruption to users, including:  

• Safety works: Little Theatre theatrical systems and infrastructure safety improvements, stadium balustrade (safety rail) replacement and Rugby Park grandstand structural remediation.
• Weather tightness works: Reception lounge roof replacement and comprehensive sealing work to fix leaks in the stadium.
• Minor functional improvements such as: Stadium basketball hoop replacement.

Tranche two (Scheduled late 2026/early 2027)

Works within the War Memorial Hall that require a significant planning, design, consenting and procurement before they can start, and that require a significant shut down period.  

• Safety and sanitary works: Upgrade of outdated fire protection systems, replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that have reached the end of their life.
• Significant accessibility upgrades: Addition of accessible toilets throughout, replacement of the accessible lift into the Little Theatre, creation of level entries from the foyer and reception lounge into the stadium, replacement and modification of existing stairs and installation of new doors throughout.
• Additional upgrades to improve function and overall experience: Functional improvements in the Little Theatre Auditorium, internal reconfiguration of the foyer to improve circulation, bathroom upgrades in the foyer and reception lounge, a refresh of the façade including new window and door joinery and a cladding refresh.

Note: Tranche 2 works will require facility closures. Affected users will be contacted well in advance to discuss impacts, timing, and alternative arrangements.  

Concept plan development

Looking at the bigger picture

Recreation Sport Leisure Consultancy (RSL) has been appointed to develop revised Concept Plan options that are more affordable and better aligned with the Hub’s core issues and investment objectives. This work is already underway, and several practical alternatives have been identified that address key problems while keeping cost front of mind.

A preferred Concept Plan will be developed in early 2026 and tested with Project Steering Group, Key Users, the Council's Executive Leadership Team and Elected Members. This updated plan will build on insights gathered through the 2023 Concept Planning process, the 2024–2034 LTP public consultation, and additional requirements identified from key user groups.

The preferred Concept Plan will outline the long-term vision for the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub. Affordability testing with Elected Members and the community will help shape the final Phase 2 investment package. 

Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub'?

The Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub ecompasses 17 hectares including the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall, Rex Morpeth Park, Rugby Park, Whakatāne Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Whakatāne Arts and associated facilities and carparking.

Why is this project needed?

Chronic underinvestment has left facilities inadequate for modern needs. Urgent health and safety upgrades are required, and the Hub needs to meet growing demands for indoor court space, events, and community activities while maintaining its role as an emergency management facility.

Why are we doing this?

Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub is one of Whakatāne District's most loved and used community assets. It's a special place where memories are made, and lifelong friendships and skills are developed. The hub is used by a large cross-sector of our communities, including those from outside Whakatāne District. The Whakatāne War Memorial Hall in particular is a really important facility as it is the district’s primary indoor courts space, event/function facility, theatre, and an important civil defence facility. It has served us well however, the space isn't fit for purpose anymore.

The hall hasn’t received any significant investment since major alteration works in the 1970’s, and changes are now required in response to varying uses and challenges. For example, basketball and volleyball are two of the most popular sports in our district, but, at peak times, demand for court space exceeds supply. This means our tamariki and rangatahi are missing out. In addition, the Rugby Park grandstand requires seismic strengthening while significant maintenance and upgrades are now required to various aspects within the hub to meet health and safety standards, meet existing and growing demands for indoor court and events space and to generate economic benefits for the wider district.

The redevelopment of the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub is not a new project. Over the past decade, our communities voiced their support for a financial commitment to upgrade Whakatāne War Memorial Hall. In addition, improvements to the broader recreation precinct (Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub) were included in the most recent (2024-2034) Long Term Plan budget. We are now at a stage where these commitments must be delivered on to keep the facilities functional and fit for purpose.

What area is included?

The plans look at changes to Whakatāne War Memorial Hall and the facilities on the 17 hectares of surrounding reserve land, collectively known as the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub.

The proposed concept plan will look at ways to address the core issues and opportunities and develop a broader vision for the site that can be implemented over time.  

Out of scope facilities include the Whakatāne Aquatic & Fitness Centre and the Tennis Courts.  

Have you talked to the community about this?

Yes, we've had extensive engagement with the community over several years:

2017 - Whakatāne Ki Mua consultation
Communities told us what makes Whakatāne a great place to live and identified recreation and leisure opportunities, public facilities, and community connection as top priorities.

2020 - Te Ara Hou consultation
Feedback highlighted the importance of creating spaces for activities and events, family-friendly facilities, enhancing natural environment connections, and promoting green spaces and parks.

2021-2031 Long Term Plan
Council made a commitment to upgrade the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall and develop a concept plan for the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub.

February 2023 - Initial engagement
We asked for your thoughts about what the future of the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub could look like. We worked with key users and the wider community to better understand current uses and consider needs and wants.

October 2023 - Concept plan options consultation
Three concept plan options and an "enhanced status quo" option were released for public consultation. Feedback from workshops and consultations informed a preferred concept plan option.

April 2024 - Long Term Plan 2024-2034 consultation
The Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub redevelopment was one of four key questions. We sought feedback on the scale, timing and funding of the project. Community consultation revealed mixed views - while many agreed on the urgent need for upgrades, some called for deferral due to financial pressures. However, strong support remained for redevelopment, with many emphasising the Hub's critical role in recreation, arts, emergency management, and community wellbeing.

Current approach - 2025 onwards
As this project has been considered in various forms over many years, a significant amount of community feedback has already been gathered. We're now focusing engagement on:

• Key user groups - direct engagement with facility users on the revised concept plan and functional upgrades
• Public consultation - planned to align with the development of the funding plan through a future Long Term Plan or Annual Plan process, focusing on the affordability of the proposed development

Previous community feedback continues to inform the development of revised concept plan options that are more affordable and aligned with community priorities.

What is the total cost of the project?

Phase 1 has a budget of $7.8 million over four years (2024-2028) for essential upgrades and concept planning.

Phase 2 was previously estimated at around $100 million. Revised concept plan options are being developed to be more affordable and respond to current economic conditions. Cost estimates for these revised options will inform future decision-making.

When will major construction work begin?

Phase 1 functional upgrades are already underway and delivering visible results. Completed works include the WWMH Foyer roof replacement, new LED stadium lighting, asbestos removal, and ceiling repairs. Sports field lighting at Rugby Park is also currently being installed.

Major works within the War Memorial Hall are scheduled for late 2026 / early 2027. This timing allows detailed planning, design, consenting and procurement work to be completed, and ensures facility users receive as much advance notice as possible before any required closures.

Phase 2 - the major redevelopment-will not begin until Council selects a preferred Concept Plan and considers the associated investment as part of the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan. If Council approves the redevelopment and external funding is secured, physical works are realistically expected to begin around 2029, following the necessary design, consenting, and procurement stages.

What's the difference between the immediate upgrades and the long-term redevelopment?

Phase 1 (current - $7.8 million): Essential health, safety, and functionality upgrades happening now. These works address critical maintenance needs and make the facility safer and more usable immediately.

Phase 2 (from 2029 - subject to funding): Major redevelopment of the wider Hub to address capacity issues like indoor court shortfall, parking, and accessibility. This phase depends formal Council decision in 2027.

Phase 1 ensures the Hall keeps improving now, while Phase 2 planning addresses the long-term vision for the Hub.

What happens if external funding isn't secured? 

Councillors have built in a formal decision point in 2027 as part of the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan deliberations. At that time, they will reassess the full redevelopment proposal, the funding available, and the level of external investment that can be secured.

Phase 1 (the current programme of functional upgrades) will continue regardless, ensuring the Hall and wider Hub continue to improve now. However, Phase 2 (the major redevelopment) will only proceed if Council is satisfied that investment represents good value for ratepayers.

This prudent approach means Council can evaluate its investment appetite alongside confirmed funding sources, adjust the project scale if required, and avoid committing ratepayers to an unaffordable redevelopment. At the same time, it keeps the long-term vision for the Hub alive and ready to progress when the right funding mix is in place.

How will the project affect rates?

The $7.8 million Phase 1 budget is already included in the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan and has been factored into current rates forecasts. This means the work underway now will not create any additional rates impact beyond what has already been planned for.

Any future rates impact would relate to Phase 2 (the major redevelopment). Costs for Phase 2 will be considered through the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan process, alongside the level of external funding that can be secured. Rates implications would only be confirmed once the project scope, timing, and funding mix are known. Importantly, affordability and pragmatic design solutions are core priorities for Phase 2, ensuring Council develops an option that delivers value while being mindful of the financial impacts.

What will the final buildings look like?

The detailed design will be worked through once a concept plan option has been selected and approved.

Will you look at access and car parking?

Yes. The Concept Plan addresses several key issues across the Hub including indoor court shortfall, parking, walking and cycling access, and aging facilities.

Parking, access, and overall accessibility are key priorities in the concept plan options being developed.

What external funding sources are being pursued?

A dedicated funding plan is being developed that will identify potential partners and funding sources including central government, regional development funds, and private partnerships.

Has any external funding been confirmed yet?

Trust Horizon has already supported new stadium lighting. Additional funding commitments will be sought as part of the formal funding plan development.

What happens to existing users during development?

User needs are a key consideration in planning. Tranche 2 Functional Upgrades will require closures at the War Memorial Hall and the project will work with users to provide adequate notice to support planning for alternatives during this time.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions about the project or would like more information, please email us at ourpeopleourspaces@whakatane.govt.nz