Heritage NSW has approved the development of the Orange Regional Sports Precinct representing a major step forward for the delivery of the project.
The approval covers The John Davis Stadium, carparking, lighting for the stadium and eight fields, amenities to support the eight fields and landscaping.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said it was great news and another important milestone towards delivering the best sports facility in regional NSW.
"We still have some consent hurdles to clear, but this is a big win for the region and the current and future generations that will use this facility," Cr Mileto said.
Artist impression of the John Davis Stadium
The NSW Government has committed $59.5 million and the Australian Government $15 million to the project.
Heritage NSW will issue General Terms of Approval that Council's planning staff will include in a report to the Western Region Planning Panel (WRPP), which is the consent authority for the project. The WRPP will meet on 16 September to consider the project.
Cr Mileto said he was optimistic of a positive outcome.
"Orange City Council is not the consent authority but if we get the green light the next step is to let the tender for the project, which will be decided by a Council meeting in October," he said.
If the planning and tender timeframes are met it is anticipated the winning construction company will be on site by the end of the year.
Orange City Council Deputy Mayor and Recreation and Culture Policy Committee Chair Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said it had been a long process but the project was gaining pace.
"We already have roadworks happening around the site. The eight fields are in place and we are about to start an access footpath that will divide them. We have shaped the stadium site, goal posts trials have taken place and we are close to the end of a complex consent schedule," Cr Greenhalgh said.
A timeline for the project can be found at https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/orange-regional-sporting-precinct/?tab=project-timeline
