Bega Valley Shire Council has announced it will progress negotiations with Monarch Building Solutions as the preferred tenderer for the construction of the Bega Sports Complex.
With plans for a much-needed new sports complex building having initially received a tick of approval, rising costs since the NSW Government committed funding have resulted in the project costing more than originally budgeted, the Council said in a statement.
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the scope of the project cannot be changed due to the risk to losing grant funding already received from the NSW Office of Sport.
“The $11.7 million funding package (2019 Election Commitment) from the NSW Government and their advice has been invaluable as we navigated through a challenging time,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
“The approved design from N2SH Architects will be a huge improvement on the old facilities, with sporting clubs, community groups and large event organisers set to benefit.
“This complex will bring a significant economic boost to the area and when we open the doors in early 2025, it will enhance the shire’s appeal as a destination for sports, recreation and cultural events.”
Mayor Fitzpatrick extended his thanks to the community user-group representatives who participated as members of the Project Control Group and provided valuable input throughout the design process.
“Collaboration and support from the community user-group representatives played a big part in shaping the final design of the new sports complex building,” he said.
“The long-awaited project has already had to overcome a range of complexities related to bushfires, floods and COVID-19, and we thank the community for its patience.”
The Mayor said an important part of the project is to create a ‘hub’ of facilities servicing a wide range of user groups. The concept of a ‘multi-use hub’ is a key element in the funding agreement and has been a noted criteria in funding programs for many years, he said.
Examples of current deficiencies at the site include a lack of facilities servicing George Griffin Oval, aging non-compliant and not ‘female friendly’ change rooms, poor to no compliant disability access to areas of the site, and an aging and not height compliant indoor court.
Council is continuing to pursue external funding options and has been invited to submit a ‘stage 2’ application under the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program for an additional $4.8 million towards the project.
