Giesen Sports and Events Centre

The Marlborough Express

3rd September 2007

The new Renwick sports centre will be known as the Giesen Sports and Events Centre after a generous pledge from Giesen winery.

The naming sponsor was unveiled at a breakfast to kick off the public fundraising attended by about 90 people at Vintners Retreat Resort yesterday.  Along with other contributions to date, the Giesen pledge lifted funds raised to $200,000 of the $500,000 needed. 

Giesen general manager Jim Veitch said the winery was pleased to be involved in the project.  "We have been involved in the valley since the late 80s and now have 12 vineyards plus the winery in the area.  "We are very happy to contribute towards this community project."

Funding committee member John Forrest said the pledges immediately following the breakfast made for "a very positive day".  "On the day we got pledges in excess of $100,000 and many more took the pledge cards away to consider their options.  "We have also got around 30 people who could not attend the event who have asked to be sent a proposal for donating.  "We are not there yet - we have still got a month or two of hard work to raise the rest of the funds and we would like to get the rest of the community involved no matter what level they can give."

The guests heard from committee members and residents including Warren Croft, John Forrest, Ross Anderson, Mayor Alistair Sowman and councillor Francis Maher.  Warren Croft said there were huge benefits to the community economically and socially in building the centre, while Mr Sowman said while the stadium was an exciting project for Renwick, it was also of great benefit to the whole of Marlborough.  "Renwick is now a central location to a wider community. The new facilities will be a meeting point for Renwick but also for the wider community."

Mr Maher said the stadium was a reflection of the vision within the community saying the Renwick community had been very positive to deal with throughout the proposal stage.  "This stadium will provide for people of all ages; youngsters, senior rugby, as well as other events."

The proposed $2.5 million dollar stadium will be a multi-purpose facility.  Work is scheduled to begin early 2008 and be completed later in the year.  The council has pledged $2 million towards the stadium provided the community can raise the additional $500,000 through fundraising and sponsorship activities.

by Ross Brown