Muswellbrook Shire Council says the region is a step closer to having a venue fit for local sport, NRL trials and major carnivals, with the acceptance of a construction tender for the $10 million redevelopment of Olympic Park.
The tendered works will include refurbishing and extending the existing grandstand with modern spectator seating, multiple universal change rooms, toilets and player amenities, media and coaches’ boxes, function spaces and event infrastructure.
Mayor, Jeff Drayton said the awarding of the tender was the culmination of years of work by Council.
“Olympic Park holds great memories for a lot of people in Muswellbrook, and we know that increasing demand, ageing amenities and increasing standards for venues mean we need to upgrade this precinct for our community,” Mayor Drayton said.
“It’s already been a process Council has undertaken with our local clubs, user groups and Muswellbrook residents. The early works have got us strong foundations for the precinct, with new parking, pedestrian lighting, better access and pathways, and upgrades to power. With those in place and the tender accepted, now we look forward to this emerging as a top-class regional facility.”
The full redevelopment also includes irrigation works, upgrades to the playing surface and further precinct landscaping.
Following the tender award, the next steps for Olympic Park include finalisation of the design, pre-construction demolition works and the start of construction.
The fully redeveloped complex on Wilkinson Avenue will be a contender for elite competition and large community events, and the centrepiece of the Shire’s sporting infrastructure as an upgraded, modern home for Muswellbrook clubs and teams, the Mayor said.
Already one of Muswellbrook’s most heavily used facilities, Olympic Park currently hosts rugby league, touch football, school sport and community events throughout the year.
Demolition works at Olympic Park following design finalisation and certification are expected to commence mid-year, with works staged where possible to minimise disruption to existing users and residents.
