Otago Cricket Association has officially commenced construction of its landmark $2.2 million, 1,500sqm Indoor Turf Facility at Logan Park, following approval of building and resource consents. 

The new facility represents a significant milestone in the development of Otago and NZC high-performance cricket programme and will provide year-round access to world-class training surfaces for performance and pathway athletes, as well as community cricket participants across the region. 

The Indoor Centre will feature a minimum of 14 natural grass pitches with full run-ups, enhanced with hybrid stitching technology, alongside four artificial pitches for community use, two of which will also offer full run-ups. The development complements the existing 20-plus training pitches already established at Logan Park. 

A Gamechanger for Otago Cricket. 

Otago Cricket Chief Executive Mike Coggan described the project as a transformative for the region. 

“This is a gamechanger for our performance athletes and our community pathway players. Year-round access to grass training facilities will accelerate player development and significantly enhance our high-performance environment,” said Coggan. 

“There are four other similar facilities across New Zealand, and their benefits are well documented both nationally and internationally. This investment ensures Otago remains at the forefront of cricket development and strengthens Dunedin’s ability to bid for future Test matches.” 

The facility will be constructed on the site of the former four tennis courts closest to Harbour Terrace. The 66m x 22m greenhouse-style structure will incorporate a mechanical opening roof and sides, enabling optimal grass growth during spring and summer while maintaining training capacity throughout winter and other periods of inclement weather. 

Coggan added that Otago’s high-performance programme now rivals any in the country. 

“With the leadership of Steve Martin and his team, the quality of our coaching and management team, emerging male and female athletes, and high-performance support personnel, our immediate and medium-term future is extremely bright.” 

Strong Partnerships Powering the Project. 

The project has been four years in development and is made possible through strong collaboration and support from key partners: 

· New Zealand Cricket (major investor/partner) 

· Otago Community Trust (major Otago funder) 

· Dunedin City Council (landowner and leasing support) 

· Tennis Otago (release of unused court space) 

Dunedin City Council’s General Manger City Services, Scott MacLean, says the partnership will have a positive community and economic impact. 

“We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering a future-proofed facility will guarantee access to world-class pitches, even when the weather isn’t playing ball.” 

The build also benefits from the expertise of Feldspar as client partner and Breen Construction as lead contractor. 

This development aligns with New Zealand Cricket’s long-term national strategy to expand indoor turf facilities across the country, maintaining a competitive advantage internationally and ensuring New Zealand’s national teams remain highly competitive on the world stage. 

Community and Regional Impact. 

A key benefit of the Logan Park facility will be reduced demand on the Edgar Centre, currently the region’s only indoor cricket venue and operating at full capacity. 

Preparation work and canopy construction are expected to take approximately three months, with the main structure scheduled for completion by the end of May. Fit-out will follow, including clay installation and spring grass establishment. Natural grass pitches are anticipated to be ready for use early in the New Year. 

Coggan emphasized the importance of collaboration in delivering the project on time and within budget. 

“We are grateful for the expertise of Feldspar and Breen Construction, and for the outstanding financial support and strategic guidance from New Zealand Cricket and the Otago Community Trust. Alongside the Dunedin City Council, these partnerships ensure Logan Park continues to grow as an exceptional sporting precinct for our region.” 

The Indoor Turf Facility will stand as a significant new asset for Otago Cricket, strengthening both community participation and high-performance pathways for generations to come. 

ENDS  

Article added: Monday 02 March 2026