The new big screen goes up at Arena Manawatu. Speedway promoter Bruce Robertson, left, Murray Wright from Monsta Vision, Palmerston North City mayor Grant Smith and Ralph Coppins from Monsta Vision look at progress.

It won't be hard to see the action at Arena Manawatu now, with a new 42-square-metre big screen being installed at the stadium.

The new screen replaces its 35sqm predecessor and is joined by 15sqm mobile screen, both purchased by the Palmerston North City Council.

The entire project cost $680,000, which was split between the city council and Central Energy Trust at $250,000 and $450,000 respectively.

The new big screen cost $395,000, while the steel structure to hold it and installation cost $85,000. The mobile screen and its trailer cost $200,000.

Installation of the screen was interrupted on Tuesday because of high winds. Once in place that would not be a problem as the screen is fully weather-proof.

Project engineer Katherine Stannard said the screen was designed to be outside and could cope with dust from the speedway track at the Arena.

A finer wire mesh has been put over the speedway fence though, to prevent mud from hitting the screen. The new screen is also 1 metre higher than the one it replaced. The old screen was damaged from mud hitting it.

"It did have some damage, that is why we have tried to protect this one," Stannard said.

The previous screen had been in residence at the stadium for the past 10 years.

"It was old, we couldn't get replacement parts for it any more," Stannard said.

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith was pleased with the new additions.

"It's great we finally got them here, we got two screens for the price of one."

Smith said the mobile screen could be put up at community events at The Square or the Esplanade and put up at Fitzherbert Park for cricket. The mobile screen was also capable of being put up inside.

For big events at the stadium, the second screen could be brought along in addition to its bigger counterpart.

Smith was glad that the new screen would be both wind-proof and dust-proof.

"Those two things are quite crucial for this."

The screen can withstand the rain but is also able to be washed down with a hose to be cleaned. Experts from America have trained staff on how to operate and monitor the new screen.

It will be operated from the control room in the main stadium.

The panels of the screen are made up of waterproof modules, with the electrical components completely sealed off. Each individual module is able to be replaced separately.

Robertson Holden Speedway promoter Bruce Robertson said it was a good addition.

"It's great, the old one did well but this one is going to be a great step up. It's great to see the Arena investing in more modern technology."