PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council is celebrating two important milestones on the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium expansion project.
The council received official notification from the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Jamie Briggs that he had approved funding of up to $2.8 million under the Community Development Grants program for the stadium upgrade project.
The council’s infrastructure director Jeffery Sharp also confirmed that a construction certificate for the upgrade had been issued and that all statutory approvals for the upgrade were now in place.
Council staff were working on tender documents with the tender expected to be advertised in June. Tenders will be reported to the council in August.
The council has been successful in obtaining a total of $5.3 million in State and Federal grants to expand the indoor stadium, including $2.5 million for the incorporation of PCYC facilities and the $2.8 million in Federal Government funding.
A development application for the project was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel late last year.
The next steps will include the appointment of a project manager, finalisation of tender documentation and the funding agreement with the Federal Government and development of a facility management plan.
The council is finalising a participation agreement and working with the PCYC and current tenants in relation to their on-going operational requirements.
Federal Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie said he was pleased the council had progressed the stadium upgrade project since he announced the Coalition would contribute funding under its new Community Development Grant program back in December.
“This project was first announced in 2004/05, so it’s been a long time coming,” Dr Gillespie said.
“I understand the development application and construction certificate have been approved and tenders will be called for the project in June.
“I am hopeful that we will be in a position come June to see the federal funding delivered to the council once they have completed the final paper work.
When the $5.8 million project is complete in early 2015, the new regional indoor complex will include six multi-purpose courts, a gymnastics centre, Police Citizen Youth Club, cafe, recreational areas and meeting rooms.
