The ground was broken today on the $23.1m West Woolgoolga Sports Complex by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan MP, State Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh MP and Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight.
This first stage involves connecting the water and sewer network to the site. Following a competitive tender process, local company Burnett Civil was awarded the contract.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the project is a game changer for the entire Northern Beaches.
“Our community has been fighting to make this a reality for over 10 years,” Mr Hogan said. “It will allow Woolgoolga to host major sporting and cultural events, drawing more people to our region.”
“This project is all about creating and supporting local jobs – it will create over 140 jobs during construction and support many more into the future.”
State Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said he wants the community to have access to the best possible recreation facilities.
“I’d like to congratulate and applaud our community for their commitment over the years to this project,” Mr Singh said. “The Multi-Purpose Centre will include two indoor courts, a stage, kitchen, café, multi-purpose rooms and amenities.”
“When complete, this facility will cater for AFL, cricket, basketball, netball and touch football.”
Coffs Harbour City Council Mayor Denise Knight said it’s a thrill to see all three levels of government working together positively with the community to deliver this project.
“Seeing the first trenches being dug is always a really exciting moment for any project, but this one has such significance for the local community that it really is extra special,” Cr Knight said. “Working in partnership always produces the best outcomes and this collaborative approach has been so evident in the Woolgoolga and Northern Beaches community’s whole campaign for this project.”
“This is a moment in which we need to acknowledge the many community stakeholders for their invaluable contributions over the past decade – in particular, the tireless community working group led by Alastair Milroy.”
The project received funding from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, the State Government, and Council.
About the project
The project has evolved after significant community consultation and input over a decade. The detailed design phase, led by renowned sports architects Populous and supported by a number of local design consultants, has validated previous concept design, engagement and input.
The project includes:
- West Woolgoolga Playing Fields: to cater to AFL, Cricket, with tournament overlay for Touch Football as well as multi use fields, including lighting, drainage and amenities.
- Northern Beaches Multi-Purpose Centre: two indoor courts (Basketball and Netball), stage, kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, amenities.
- Civil works including roadways, shared pathways, carparks and services.
The project vision for West Woolgoolga Sports Complex is to deliver an inclusive, vibrant and healthy community space for locals and visitors to gather, play, compete, practice, learn, perform and celebrate.
The major construction tender is due to go out to the marketplace shortly. Contracts are expected to be agreed in early 2021 and work will begin as soon as they are in place. The project is expected to be completed by late 2022.
