12/05/26
Some projects are measured in square metres. Others are measured in the impact they will have for generations to come.
For the team at Manukau City Cricket Club, the vision for a purpose-built indoor training facility was never just about constructing another building. It was about creating a lasting asset for South Auckland, one that would give young cricketers the opportunity to train year round, keep sport accessible, and provide a safe, all weather space for the wider community.
The idea was first discussed more than eight years ago by club president Michael Halliday and long-time supporter Peter Zanzoterra. What began as an ambitious concept gradually gathered momentum, bringing together a remarkable group of organisations united by a common goal: investing in the future of local sport.
Support came from Grassroots Trust, Wiri Licensing Trust, Trillian Trust, Northern Districts Cricket Association, Northern Brave, the Manurewa Local Board, Auckland Council, Counties Manukau Cricket, and Wide Span Sheds. Together, they helped turn a long-term vision into reality.
The result is an impressive 1,100m² indoor training facility at War Memorial Park in Manurewa, featuring a 50-metre-long Wide Span building finished in COLORSTEEL® FlaxPod. Inside, five retractable cricket nets allow multiple groups to train simultaneously, while the flexible open-plan design enables the facility to be used by other sports and community organisations throughout the year.
For Michael Halliday, the significance of the project extends far beyond the building itself.
“We’re building for the future,” he says.
The facility will enable year-round training for players of all ages, school holiday programmes, and expanded opportunities for young people to engage with cricket in a safe and structured environment. It will also allow the club to generate income by hiring the venue to other sports and organisations, helping fund professional management and long-term growth.
As Wayne Brown noted at the opening, the impact of the facility will be generational. “Generations will grow into sport, into cricket through what has been achieved here." Mayor Brown also praised the structural solution provided by Wide Span Sheds. “The structure you’ve chosen from Wide Span Sheds is a good solution to provide an open area like this at relatively modest cost. I’m a great fan personally of cold-rolled steel sheds. It’s the best solution, a good choice, well put together. It gets a 10 out of 10.”
For Wide Span Sheds, this project is a powerful example of how practical, cost effective steel buildings can support far more than storage or workshops. In this case, the building has become a catalyst for community development, youth participation, and the future of cricket in South Auckland.
Built with the same commitment to quality and durability that underpins every Wide Span project, this facility will serve thousands of players, families, and community members for decades to come.
Some sheds store equipment. This one will help shape the next generation.
Take a look at what Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown had to say about the community project. Built by our Waikato team for the Manukau City Cricket Club, this 50m long, purpose-built shed in COLORSTEEL® Flaxpod will proudly serve the local community for many years to come!
A quality shed can do far more than provide extra storage. Discover how a well-designed garage or workshop can improve functionality, protect valuable assets, and increase the appeal and value of your lifestyle property.
How a Shed Can Add Real Value to Your Lifestyle Property
From protecting expensive machinery to improving day-to-day efficiency, a purpose-built farm shed is one of the smartest infrastructure investments you can make. Learn how the right shed can boost productivity and add long-term value to your farm.
How a Farm Shed Can Increase the Value and Productivity of Your Farm
When Tony “Nail” Vincent, lead guitarist of Devilskin and New Zealand’s first officially recognised Gibson Artist, needed a shed that matched both his property and his lifestyle, he found the solution at the National Fieldays. After meeting the Wide Span...
Meet Nail Vincent - Guitarist for DevilskinPlease provide as much information as you can so we can assign the correct specialist in our team to help you out.
As one of New Zealand's leading shed providers, we have one of the largest ranges of quality steel sheds.
