Sport and fitness venues in Tauranga will get a boost following a joint venture between the University of Waikato and Bay Ventures.

“As our population grows, community connection has never been more important, and our sports and fitness facilities play an important role in that,” Bay Venues Chief Executive Chad Hooker said.

The partnership gives the University of Waikato the right to name the indoor facility at the Mercury Baypark Arena. It sits on the former site of The Warehouse on the corner of Cameron Rd and 10th Avenue after Tauranga City Council purchased it.

Community sports, including volleyball, badminton, basketball, pickleball, table tennis, netball, adaptive sports for people with disabilities, and many others will be provided at the new centre.

“We are so excited to work alongside the University of Waikato over the coming years and have its support as Tauranga continues to develop. As partners, we share many of the same values and are both committed to this city,” Hooker said.

The strategic partnership is part of the University’s long-term commitment to the Bay of Plenty region, focusing on enhancing student experiences through recreation and events, according to University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones.

“We have been part of the Tauranga community for 30 years and are committed to being here for the next 100. Our ongoing presence in this city supports our vision to positively contribute to growth and prosperity in the region, and partnering with great community facilities is just one of the ways we are doing this,” Professor Jones said.

University of Waikato students can access the facility for sports, recreation and learning as part of the new partnership agreement.

 It will be the first new indoor community sports facility in Tauranga since the opening of Mercury Baypark Arena over a decade ago.

“I’m excited at the possibilities this new partnership offers and look forward to our students being able to enjoy the access to sports facilities and get involved in new campus events delivered alongside the  Bay Venues team,” Professor Jones said.