Wellington Phoenix to Breathe New Life into Fraser Park

The Phoenix, New Zealand’s premier professional football club, has had a long-standing connection to Fraser Park through its academy. Now, as the new custodians of the Ricoh Sports Centre, the club is partnering with Hutt City Council and the Founding Member Clubs—including Avalon Rugby Club, Hutt Valley Dodgers Softball Club, Lower Hutt City Football Club, Taitā District Cricket Club, Hutt City Squash, and Hutt Valley Softball Association—to transform the facility into a destination venue and dynamic hub for sports, events, and community engagement.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry sees the partnership as a game-changer and is thrilled to be announcing a partnership that has the potential to be a real win/win for everyone involved, and a good example of local government having to think differently.

“We have an amazing facility here at Fraser Park, with a collection of fantastic sporting clubs and organisations,” Barry said.

“While there were good intentions from all involved, the way the Fraser Park Sportsville model was set up in 2019 was fundamentally flawed and cost ratepayers significantly. In the current financial environment, we need to be innovative in the way we deliver community services without further burdening ratepayers.

“The Phoenix are an iconic local and international sports business and brand. By working together this partnership will make the facility a financially self-sustaining entity without the need for ongoing financial support from rate payers, while continuing to provide great value for clubs and the wider community.”

A New Home for the Phoenix – and the Community

Beyond serving as the home of the Phoenix Academy, plans are underway to turn the Ricoh Sports Centre into a must-visit destination for sports fans and non-fans alike. The facility will feature a revamped café and bar, a dedicated space for Phoenix memorabilia and merchandise, and interactive experiences that will connect the community with the club’s rich football history.

Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome envisions the centre becoming more than just a sporting venue.

“We want it to be a destination for corporate functions, weddings, and parties, along with sports events in the Hutt Valley,” he said. “The Ricoh Sports Centre has a capacity for over 250 guests, two bars, a full commercial kitchen, and a café, making it a uniquely positioned venue for an array of events.”

Dome also confirmed that the café and bar will reopen as soon as a new catering partner is announced, bringing life back to a space that has long been a gathering point for sports enthusiasts and community members alike.

A Bright Future Ahead

While the transition will come with its challenges, Dome has called for patience as the club works alongside the Council and local sporting organisations to bring the venue back to full strength.

“Running a football club is a lot different to running a community facility like this, so I’m sure there will be some teething issues,” Dome admitted. “But with the support of Hutt City Council and the Founding Member Clubs, we are confident this will be a real success as a hub for sports and events in Lower Hutt.”

With the Wellington Phoenix at the helm, the Ricoh Sports Centre is set to thrive as a financially sustainable, community-focused venue - one that not only celebrates sport but also brings people together through a diverse range of events and experiences. This partnership is not just about management; it’s about reimagining the role of sports facilities in the community and ensuring a brighter future for Fraser Park.

For information and bookings visit: www.fraserparkevents.co.nz