MAGNETO NEWS by Jared Nicoll.

It was eight months in the making but Mayor Prendergast officially opened Newtown’s new artificial sports field on July 24.

The $2 million ground spans 100m x 65m and includes changing rooms, floodlighting and a pavilion relocated from Cobham Park. Situated behind Te Whaea national dance and drama centre in Hutchison Rd, the former rubbish tip (Jam Tin Gully) and Wellington Showground car park, is the city’s third park made with artificial surfacing. Wellington City Council Parks and Gardens Manager Paul Andrews said the field will be able to be used in all weather conditions, meaning fewer game cancellations.

“Artificial surfaces can withstand more play than the most robust and well-drained grass fields. It will provide a fantastic new asset for the city and help address the growing demand for sports fields that can be used in all weathers,” said Mr Andrews.

The field is primarily for community sport but has been built to FIFA and IRB specifications. It has been earmarked as a supplementary training ground to the adjacent Rugby League Park for the All Blacks, South Africa, Australia and France during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Another five artificial sports fields are to be built in Wellington before 2019.