EXPANSION of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Regional Indoor Stadium is on track to be completed by Christmas with early January earmarked for a grand opening date.
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Works commenced on the $7.2 million project in December 2015. Ware Building was awarded the construction tender in October, 2015.
It will provide modern, state of the art facilities for participants and spectators. This includes six courts, new multi-purpose and activity rooms, offices, amenities and a kiosk.
The new stadium is mid-way through construction with the roof now emerging and asphalt in the car park to be laid by June 20.
Throughout the process, the old stadium and gymnastics centre remains in operation, an important focus for council during the project according to Mayor Peter Besseling.
“It’s great to see the progress. The size of the footprint will surprise a lot of people,” he said.
“One of the great parts of the process is being able to maintain the sports in the existing arena while building the expansion. That was a key for council.”
Court space will double in size with Cr Besseling assuring this would only grow sporting opportunities at the facility.
“It brings a great opportunity to attract state and national tournaments,” he said.
“That provides a big economic impact for our local area and it gives more opportunity for people to experience our area.”
Construction manager Craig Adams is pleased with the progress of the build.
“There have been no real dramas at all, even with the severe weather a couple of weeks ago,” he said.
“It is still on track for completion by Christmas time, with final touches to be done after that.
“We are hoping to be standing next to council for the official opening in January.”
The construction build has included the induction of 120 workers, with Mr Adams saying 60 to 70 percent are locals.
The Port News spoke to several residents of homes adjacent to the construction who said they were not bothered by the ongoing work.
With the PCYC no longer part of the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium expansion project, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has committed $3.25 million across two financial years.
The council agreed to amend the project budget and funding sources for this financial year and allocated just over $2.5 million in next financial year's operational plan to complete the project.
The additional $3.25 million is made up of $998,407 from the Port Macquarie-Hastings section 94 open space contributions plan with the remainder sourced from the council's working capital reserve over the two financial years.
The federal government has committed $2.8 million to expand the stadium.