Rising sports stars, local clubs and loyal fans in the Central West are set to benefit from a boost to regional sports infrastructure with preliminary works commencing today on the brand new $25 million Orange Sports Precinct.
Deputy Premier, John Barilaro said the NSW Government was delivering on its election commitment to provide brand new sporting infrastructure to the people of Orange, with geotechnical engineers drilling the first holes in the ground to commence construction today.
“Last year I stood up in Orange and promised a $25 million sports precinct for the community, and today we are delivering on that promise and putting shovels in the ground,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I am proud to announce that preliminary work has officially begun on the purpose-built facility which will include cricket and multipurpose ovals, an athletic field and track with covered seating and a rugby union and league field with grandstand and seating mounds to sit 8500 fans.
“Orange City Council must also be congratulated – they have come to the table with a vision and plans for a facility that will not only cater to local sports, it will attract high profile events, like NRL games and other major championships, bringing in visitors who will spend locally.
“We said we would give the people and sports clubs in Orange the regional stadium they deserve and we are doing exactly that.”
Mayor of Orange, Reg Kidd said with funding confirmed, Council would now push ahead with construction of the project.
“We have consulted widely on the project and heard community feedback, we know this sports precinct is going to be transformational for people who live in the city and just outside of town, who will no longer have to travel as far to participate in major events,” Cr Kidd said.
“At our heart, Orange has a vibrant sports culture that keeps locals active, healthy and happy and this precinct will have something for everyone in our community.
“Today’s announcement is testament to what’s possible when local and state government work together and I thank and commend the NSW Government for the funding to make this essential project for the people of Orange a reality.”
The NSW Government will invest $25 million for the Orange Sports Precinct, while Orange City Council will deliver the project and aims to have the first stage of the project complete by late 2021, with the main field and grandstand due to be completed by 2022.
