Park prepares for 700 drivers

By Aaron van Delden, aaron.vandelden@wanganuichronicle.co.nz | Friday, January 6, 2012 6:00

ACTION PLAN: VCC Rally 2012 committee members Geoff Quarrie (left) and Gavin Harris review plans for the rally venue, which is being developed at Springvale Park.

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Work on the VCC Rally 2012 venue is under way, with less than a fortnight to go before nearly 700 entrants arrive for the event based in Wanganui.

Springvale Park is set to be transformed into the international car rally's headquarters during the coming week, and the construction of an entrance shed is due to be completed today.

Rally designer Gavin Harris said its interior would then be made to "look as if the shed hasn't been opened for several years", complete with old machinery and weathered interior linings.

The village's co-ordinator, Geoff Quarrie, said the venue would utilise both stadiums, while a garden bar, cafe and outdoor stage would be located in the area between them.

Jubilee Stadium has been assigned as the main entertainment venue, with Springvale Stadium to host the heritage trade show from January 21.

Security fencing and marquees would be erected early next week and Jubilee Stadium is to be decorated on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mr Harris said the shed was being built by Totalspan Wanganui without charge, although it would be sold following the event to recover costs.

By Monday, January 16, entrants will begin arriving ahead of the official opening ceremony on January 17.

More than 600 vehicles are registered to take part in the rally. They will be divided into six groups, and each group will tour six different destinations, including Marton, Ratana, the Whanganui River Rd and Feilding.

Rally organisers have indicated that they expect the event to generate $12 million for the local economy.

Entry to the rally village will be available only to those entered in the rally, but the public will have a chance to get up close to the vehicles at an open day being held at Wanganui Racecourse on January 22, where more than 25,000 people are expected.