The Area News approached Griffith City Council to get an update on the Regional Sport Precinct project, which will see development of Westend Oval and Griffith City Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre.

With progress being made with funding, plans and consultation, Business, Cultural and Financial Services director Max Turner said “it is expected that construction will commence in early 2020 if not before.”

The excitement was palpable upon the Government’s announcement of $10 million grant, which will go towards developing Stage One of the plan.

The total cost for the multi-purpose regional sports complex is estimated to be around $24.8 million.

Since that announcement in October, Council has committed to no only matching the $10 million but contributing $10.3 million in cash and in kind funding, which will come from TCorp loans.

And as for the remaining $4.5 million remaining, Mr Turner says council is “actively working to secure the remaining funds.”

This involves ongoing discussions with PCYC, NSW State Government, as well as the Federal Government via a grant application.

“Council is committed to ensuring the full project is delivered,” Mr Turner said.

Read more: Griffith's sports precinct gets $10 million grant

The communities involvement in the design and implementation of the precinct has been paramount throughout the process, and as consultation continues, so does the development of plans.

The plans for both the Westend Oval Complex and the 50 meter pool are at the concept stage, developed through “extensive consultation with the Griffith Sports Council and the representatives of all of the sports involved in the Project”, Mr Turner said.

Those plans include:

​The new 50 metre outdoor pool would be built at the existing aquatic centre, with the old Griffith skate park demolished to make more room. 

Council recently called for expressions of interest for Project Management and Detailed Design consultancy services, which will close January 31.

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This will be for the next phase of the project – which will involve further community consultation, design development and the lodging of development applications.

When these phases are completed, the construction phase will begin with tenders called for.

With the project fully endorsed, further reports to Council will be required to appoint tenders for loan borrowing arrangements, project management, architectural services and construction contractors in due course. 

“Council will continue to try and secure the remaining funds over the next two months however as stated previously is committed to ensuring the full project is delivered and will be underwriting the funds required,” Mr Turner said.

Project Master Plans have been developed, however the next phase relies on the appointment of both Project Managers and Detailed Design consultants to progress the community consultation.

Detailed design components will be undertaken throughout 2019 for the estimated construction start in 2020.

Read more: Community forum puts proposed stadium at forefront

Expressions of interest are being called to tender for a contract for the provision of detailed design and construction regarding the proposed 50m pool, plant and filtration room and amenities at the leisure centre.

Expressions close on Thursday, January 31 at 2pm. For more information head to Griffith City Council website.

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