Construction is underway for the new equestrian centre at Stratford Park, marking a major milestone in the Stratford A&P Association’s long term vision to expand recreation and sport opportunities for the community.
For the past seven years, the Association has been developing Stratford Park across its 80 hectare site, working with a wide range of groups to create a shared hub for events, sport, and community activity.
Support from the Stratford District Council has been instrumental, including assistance in securing a loan to purchase additional land to ensure all user groups have room to grow.
The equestrian centre on Flint Road officially broke ground on 14 May, and with several weeks of fine weather, contractors have already made strong progress on the arena substructure.
The Stratford Park Equestrian Complex group will initially utilise existing infrastructure to support the new all-weather arena, while continuing discussions on further developing the event area to meet the full potential of providing facilities for all horse users.
Speedway has operated from the A&P Showgrounds for 65 years, and the Association says they look forward to continuing that long-standing relationship, building a solid foundation for generations to come.
Infrastructure upgrades across the wider Showgrounds are also advancing.
A new venue for Taranaki Shears was completed in time for the Royal A&P Show held in Stratford in November 2025.
A replacement toilet block is currently being installed in the event area, following the demolition of the previous block last year after it reached the end of its usable life.
While the Taranaki Motorsport Facility Trust has recently chosen to withdraw from the Stratford Park project, the Association acknowledges the progress made together and wishes the Trust well for the future.
“Over the past seven years, significant progress has been made in confirming entity structures and undertaking major works to improve facilities,” said Stratford A&P President Paul Vanner.
“The project was set up to create a sustainable future for the A&P and the wider community, and we look forward to further developments. We are proud and positive that the Showgrounds will continue to be a place for community groups and users to have fun, socialise and compete.”
