HUNDREDS of people of all ages took a tour of Port Macquarie’s multi-million dollar upgraded regional indoor stadium on Saturday (February 25).
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council threw the doors open to the community for a morning of fun as well as an opportunity to showcase the future potential of the expanded facility.
The original stadium was built in 1982. The expansion includes the addition of three multi-purpose courts increasing the number of courts to six, new multi-purpose activity rooms, specialist offices, amenities, a kiosk and parking facilities.
Acting director of community and economic growth Liesa Davies said the improvements will benefit both existing user groups and the wider community, and assist in promoting the region as a sporting centre of excellence and destination of choice.
“It’s so great to see so many families here enjoying the facility,” Ms Davies said.
“We know we are a great destination for major sporting events and this facility will now enable us to open more of those doors and explore more options.”
Cr Rob Turner said the stadium upgrade was a major infrastructure project for the elected council four years ago and has not been without its challenges.
Council has worked alongside key stakeholders and the local community since 2012 to develop a concept that meets the needs of the region.
Cr Turner said this has ensured the delivery of a world-class regional facility with the capacity to showcase local, state and national talent across a variety of sports.
“It’s great to see it finished and the kids in here using it. There are not many regional areas with the level of accommodation we have and now a facility of this quality,” Cr Turner said.
Stadium manager Clay Coad of IFMG said 2017 will be an exciting time for the region in terms of what the facility can offer.
“This is no longer a sports stadium – it’s a community facility with so much to offer,” Mr Coad said.
Along with hosting traditional sports such as basketball and gymnastics, the stadium now has the capacity for community yoga and dancing classes, has conference facilities and rooms for specialist health professionals including dietitians and physiotherapists.
Works were joint-funded by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the federal government.
