Arena Masterplan

Arena 5 development  

Update July 2025 

The development of a new Arena 5 is a major project identified in the updated Arena Masterplan and will replace the existing Arena 5 buildings (Barber Hall, Bell Hall, Waldegrave Lounge and Gym Club), which are earthquake-prone and must be seismically strengthened or decommissioned by January 2039. 

The new Arena 5 is planned to be built on the corner of Cuba and Pascal Streets.   

The new facility will eventually replace the existing Arena 5, and is being designed to take pressure off Arenas 3 and 4, which are used heavily by local sports and community groups. 

It’s likely the current and new Arena 5 facilities will both operate for a time before the old buildings are decommissioned. 

The key milestones are: 

• Early 2026 – Contractor appointed and detailed design phase begins  

• Mid 2026 – Construction begins 

• Mid 2027 – Construction complete. Final handover to follow, with facility fully operational 

We’re working with a User Group – made up of sporting and community groups that use the current Arena 5 or are expected to use the new one – to make sure the new facility meets the community’s needs. This group will work with the Project Architect in the first stage of design for this project. 

It’s expected that the new facility and existing Arena 5 buildings will operate in tandem for a period following completion. 

Further developments 

Palmerston North City Council is going ahead with the construction of a new Arena 5.  

Other key projects identified in the current Masterplan include: 

Atrium on Pascal St  

A new atrium on Pascal Street to link Fly Palmy Arena (Arena 2), Arena 3 and the B&M Centre (Arena 4). This would create one entrance to all these facilities with new changing and public facilities. 

Backfield 

Realignment of the fields behind the grandstand, creating a quad-style layout with an additional artificial turf, two hybrid turfs, and supporting amenities such as changing rooms, storage, promenades, spectator shelters, and trees. Designed for multi-sport use, the upgraded fields will primarily cater to rugby and football. 

May 11, 2021

This is the first major construction project to be completed in Palmerston North’s 150th year.

Construction for phase 2 commenced on 8 May 2020 and was the first major local government project to begin post-lockdown.

The total cost of the combined Arena Redevelopment programme is just over $17.1 million. This includes everything from design, consultation and consenting, professional fees, to construction. Central Energy Trust has contributed $1,078,000 towards the project, with the council funding the remainder.

The redevelopment process has a project steering group including representatives from Palmerston North City Council, Rangitāne, Robertson Holden International Speedway, Manawatū Rugby, Sport Manawatū, and Marist Sports Club.

Both the construction and works will have a major economic benefit to our city

Palmerston North City Council Chief Executive, Heather Shotter, says the construction work is helping provide jobs for residents.

“We’re proud that this project can support our local construction industry and provide employment for so many. The lead contractor, Humphries Construction, is based in Palmerston North and approximately 90 per cent of the subcontractors are also based within the Manawatu. The remaining 10 per cent is due to those products or services not being available locally. It’s great for a construction project of this scale to be created by locals, for locals.”

Humphries Construction Managing Director, Paul Humphries, says its team and sub-contractors are rapt to have been awarded the contract.

“ A huge congratulations must go to Council for having the foresight and initiative to execute this contract through these changing times, a decision that will directly & immediately benefit the local economy. To have been entrusted with this civic project brings us much pride.  Having undertaken construction and development projects across the region for more than 20 years, we certainly do not take for granted this huge opportunity and understand the part we play in the delivery of this project to Palmerston North City. We are excited to get underway.”

Completed work is a symbol of hope for our city

The results of these major upgrades will bring bigger and better entertainment options and international sporting events to Palmerston North city, which have major flow-on economic impacts for the region.

Mayor Grant Smith, who’s Council approved the tender the day before Alert Level 4 lockdown, says this project resembles a symbol of hope and growth for our city.

Ms Shotter says this project isn’t just about making the Central Energy Trust Arena better for speedway fans, but rather it’s about driving our local economy far into the future.

Central Energy Trust Arena complex holds around 3000 events each year and is home to 36 different sporting codes. This brings in around 400,000 visitors each year, many of whom live outside our region and come here for an event, stay the night in local accommodation, eat out, and enjoy our recreational activities. The Superstock Teams Championships weekend alone contributes an estimated $6M to our local economy. The upgrades will bring in new and larger events, which will create and sustain jobs in our hospitality and retail industries, and provide a significant boost to our local economy.