Edgar Centre Background
Dunedin`s Edgar Centre, winner of the Hillary Commission Win-Win Facility Award at the 1996 NZRA awards, was officially opened by the Queen in November 1995 at a ceremony which included demonstrations by the sporting codes which make regular use of the exciting new facility.
The centre has been built from a converted wool store on land leased from Port Otago in an area of harbour redevelopment. The $2.5 million purchase of the building was financed by a $500,000 gift from Dunedin businessman Eion Edgar with the balance met by the Dunedin City Council, which owns the building and leases it to the Edgar Centre Board.
The 14400 square metre centre is the largest indoor recreation facility in the Southern Hemisphere and has provision for 21 courts. In October 1996 Stage II Development opened by the Right Honourable J. Bolger – Restaurant, Viewing Gallery, Cafe`/Bar and Seminar room upstairs with shower, changing rooms and toilet facilities along with a large foyer, reception and control room at a further cost of $2.1million. This was financed from generous donations from local business and the public through a fundraising campaign, along with a Lottery Board Grant, and Community Trust Grant.
On the 5th February 2005 the new Lion Foundation Arena was opened jointly by Eion Edgar and the Mayor of Dunedin, Peter Chin. The Lion Foundation Arena includes: 3 wooden sprung basketball/netball courts, control room, media room, permanent and retractable seating, new reception area, office space, 4 corporate boxes, 2 lounges, 2 balconies, a drug testing room, the Dunedin Sports injuries clinic, toilets and change room facilities.
Photo Credit : Seen In Dunedin