Regional Athletics Centre Site Selection
Consultation has concluded
A Regional Athletics Centre is a permanent year-round international standard 400m multi-lane (minimum 8) all weather synthetic-surfaced track and field facility.
Access to synthetic tracks is an aspiration of the athletics community. A new Regional Athletics Centre for Coffs Harbour will benefit the surrounding area and the North Coast Region. A new Regional Athletics Centre also opens up opportunities for running facilities that could be used by local athletes and the community in general.
In July 2019 Council began work to investigate a Regional Athletics Centre and engaged Xypher Consulting to undertake a site selection investigation for appropriate sites. There are a number of essential considerations in planning for a Regional Athletics Centre, including:
- The size of the site to fit the development
- Site conditions (a synthetic track cannot be developed within a flood prone area)
- Location and accessibility to user groups and the community
- Construction method and cost
- Alignment to NSW Office of Sport Regional Sports Hub Model.
On 10 September 2020, Council considered a comprehensive investigation and site selection report. Two sites, York St Oval and Bruce Barnier Oval, were considered as part of the Regional Athletics Centre site selection. Council resolved to place the site selection on public exhibition.
On 10 December 2020, Council considered the site selection feedback and resolved to undertake a workshop with stakeholders in early 2021 to further understand local and state athletics stakeholder needs and differences for the Regional Athletics Centre.
On 17 March 2021 the stakeholder workshop concluded that the sites previously investigated presented significant issues for the existing user groups; and identified key issues to consider to enable the selection of a preferred site and for the project to move forward.
On 8 July 2021, Council considered the stakeholder workshop feedback and resolved to consider a further report with a recommended a greenfield site location (whereby incumbent user groups of an existing site will not be affected) and a comparative analysis with the Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park.
In early 2022, a request for quote was issued to the market to secure a suitably experienced and qualified consultancy to undertake this next body of work. In August 2022, @leisure planners were appointed to recommence a regional athletics centre site investigation and site selection study in line with the most recent resolution of Council.
In May 2023, the Regional Athletics Centre Functional Design Brief developed by @Leisure Planning is reported to Council. Council passes a motion to review the matter in October 2026.
This page will provide updates as the Regional Athletics Centre site selection process continues.
