$42m tender awarded for Hunter Sports Centre expansion
Published on February 28, 2023
Australian contractor Grindley has been awarded a $42 million contract to build the expanded Hunter Sports Center in Glendale.
The expansion that started with the recent opening of a new warm-up track in the regional facility, will continue this year, with Grindley selected to build a new athlete testing facility, sports and community center and NSW trampoline center of excellence, paving the way for the center to become national and hosting international sporting events.
The upgrade is expected to create 100 direct and indirect jobs during construction and generate $16 million in benefits to the local economy.
Lake Macquarie City Council Deputy CEO Tony Farrell said Grindley has a track record of delivering award-winning community infrastructure.
“Grindley was selected following a competitive process. We are confident that they will create a bigger and better Hunter Sports Center to meet the needs of our growing community and promote Lake Macquarie as an athletic powerhouse,” he said.
Grindley CEO Matthew Macauley said the company is excited and delighted to have been selected for such an important community project.
“Partnering with Lake Macquarie City Council and the local community to deliver these significant additions to the Hunter Sports Center site embodies Grindley’s core business, values and commitment to local infrastructure. We look forward to starting work on the project,” he said.
The three-story, 4,500-square-foot sports and community center will feature large multi-purpose and event spaces in addition to new health and fitness facilities. The work will also improve access and create additional parking for the 570,000 visitors who will visit the upgraded Hunter Sports Center each year.
The Australian Government has committed $10 million to expand the sports and community center. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program has allocated $960,000 to expand the Hunter Sports Center’s warm-up track. The LRCI program supports local governments in implementing priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.
Grindley will also build the new NSW Trampoline Center of Excellence which will feature a 1300 square meter arena with 12 trampolines and stands for up to 400 spectators.
The NSW Government has allocated US$12.5 million through its Center of Excellence Fund to provide the NSW Trampoline Center of Excellence and US$1 million through the Regional Sports Facility Fund for the warm up track and athlete testing facility.
Sports Minister Alister Henskens said the expansion of the Hunter Sports Center would help increase participation and provide talent pathways to the local community.
“Since 2017, the NSW Government has invested more than $2 billion in community sport, through grassroots infrastructure projects, equity programs and our nation’s leading Active Kids voucher,” said Mr Henskens.
“Hunter’s next generation of track and field athletes will help bridge the gap between elite and grassroots sports, bring sports heroes closer to the community and forge strong links with development programs.”
The modernization of the Hunter Sports Center is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
To keep up to date with the project, visit lakemac.com.au.