Proposed lease at Bill Brown Park

Submissions closing on 09 May 2025, 04:00 PM

concept drawing of the proposed new clubrooms.

We’re considering leasing part of Bill Brown Park to Kia Toa Rugby Football Club so they can build a new clubroom. Before any decisions are made, we want to hear what you think. 

What we're proposing

We're proposing a 33-year lease for Council land at Bill Brown Park, 21 Havelock Avenue.

Kia Toa plans to build a clubroom near the north-eastern fence line of the basketball courts, extending into the grass playing fields (see the maps in the photo gallery at the bottom of this page). 

The lease area covers up to 751m², with a 300m² building that will include an entry area, a dining hall, kitchen, bathrooms, a bar and storage areas.  

The lease also allows for a future extension if Kia Toa decides to expand the building. 

Kia Toa Rugby Football Club is Palmerston North’s oldest rugby club, founded in 1902. It has a strong history in the community, with senior and junior rugby and netball teams, a loyal supporter base, and deep connections to the Highbury and Takaro communities.

How will the clubrooms be used?

  • Mainly for after-match functions on Saturday afternoons and evenings. 
  • Occasionally for club meetings, muster days, and prize-giving events. 
  • Kia Toa may enter into agreements with other sports codes to share the facilities. 
  • Kia Toa may hire out the building for other groups and events, but only for alcohol-free gatherings. 

Kia Toa would need to go through the usual consenting and licensing processes, which would cover things like hours of operation, noise levels and alcohol licences.

What does this mean for Bill Brown Park?

  • This proposal is only for a land lease. 
  • If approved, Kia Toa would fund, build, own, and operate the clubrooms. 

Read more about the proposal

You can read more about the proposed lease in this report to Council's strategy and finance committee:

Proposal to support Kia Toa Rugby Football Club Incorporated by notifying the intention to grant community occupancy via a lease of Council land

Share your feedback with us by 4pm on Friday 9 May

We want to know what you think. Do you support the proposed lease? Do you have any concerns? 

Fill out the online form to let us know. 

Click here to view form.

Location

Bill Brown Park, 21 Havelock Avenue, Westbrook 4412  View Map

Google Map