Expanding Lansdowne Park to the north could create a short-term solution to the increasing demand on sports fields in Blenheim, a report to the Marlborough District Council says.

The report, on the feasibility of a multisport upgrade to Lansdowne Park, says extending the park to the north would generate opportunities for the development of multisport grounds at the park that would not be otherwise possible.

It was written by reserves and amenities planning officer Elisha Oldridge.

"It offers increased capacity to existing users as well as accommodating a new use and mitigates the issues of a clash of codes and an unsustainable maintenance regime at the A&P Showgrounds."

It proposes building two full-sized rugby fields and a dedicated softball diamond in the extended area, and estimates it as costing $845,000. Another $100,000 of earthworks to improve flood protection is also recommended.

The report will be considered by the council assets and services committee on Thursday and is expected to be approved in principle, subject to funding.

Civil engineering investigations found no significant or unexpected risks, it said.

The report follows the council's "outdoor sports facilities plan", which said the lack of all-weather fields affected community sport in Marlborough.

The natural turf had limited carrying capacity, which reduced the number of people who could use it.

The council bought Lansdowne Park in 2008 from the Tasman Rugby Union, and has about 7 hectares of sports grounds, including the premier rugby ground in the region.

- The Marlborough Express

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