Transformation at the Sulzberger Indoor Centre

Transformation at the Sulzberger Indoor Centre

A new era is underway at Taranaki Cricket – with a major extension and upgrade project at the Sulzberger Indoor Centre now complete.

Work over the past two years, in collaboration with NPBHS, has seen the centre extended a full 12 metres, new turf laid down, the netting replaced and the lighting realigned.

While a few finishing touches and other minor repairs remain, the centre reopened for business this week (Monday, Feb 23) and TCA General Manager Ryan Evans said it was amazing to see the transformation the work had brought about.

“When I arrived at Taranaki Cricket four years ago one of the first questions I was asked was what was going to be done about the centre,” Evans said.

“It’s been four years of hard work since, but to have a facility in Taranaki that we can be proud of again is just fantastic and I’m very grateful to everybody involved in bringing this project to fruition.”

Originally opened in 2002, the centre was a game changer at the time and had marked Taranaki as a leader in providing cricket facilities.

But in recent years the centre, operated in partnership with Boys High, had become very tired and upgrade work was badly needed. At the same time the length of the facility meant fast bowlers were unable to make use of full run ups, a point now fixed with the extension, Evans said.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve and bringing this facility up to a modern standard will be hugely beneficial for cricketers at all levels in the province.”

Evans said he was extremely grateful to the partners who had made the work, at a cost of well over $200,000, possible.

“Firstly, the support of NPBHS and the Four Winds Foundation was key to getting this project off the ground.

“Then we had so much other support as well – the CD Community Trust, Toi Foundation, NZCT and the Sulzberger and Jordan families, not to mention those who have lent their support through time and hard work,” he said.

“We are very grateful and appreciative to all who have supported us through this project – now it’s time for our cricketers – young and old, to get back to the business of playing the game.”

Reporters: For more information please contact Ryan Evans on 027 467 7924 or ryan@taranakicricket.co.nz.