The cutting of a ribbon signalled the completion of the state's latest 'Cricket & Community Centre', in Orange's Wade Park.
The new $3.4 million indoor sports centre is expected to become operational in the coming weeks when staff move in and the first cricket coaching classes begin.
Orange City Council awarded the construction tender to Bathurst-based firm Hines Constructions, the same company that built the Anzac Park indoor sports centre. The $2.8 million construction tender is the largest single component of the overall project that's worth $3.4 million.
CUTTING: Lining up to cut the ribbon to open the new cricket & community centre on Friday were (l. to r.) Cr Jason Hamling, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Mrs Kathy Sharp, Mayor Reg Kidd and Upper House MP Sam Farraway.
The project, built on the eastern side of Wade Park alongside the grandstand, is funded by :
- $1.4 million in grants ($1 million from the NSW Government Club Grants Scheme, $200K from Cricket Australia and $200K from Cricket NSW)
- $1.6 million from Orange City Council
- $449K in developer contributions
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said he was delighted to see the building reach this milestone.
"It's great to see the project completed today. We've also begun planning a community open day when the centre is fully operational," Cr Reg Kidd said. "That community event will give all local cricket enthusiasts the chance to come and see this fantastic new facility up close."
"This project has been in the pipeline for a number of years and it's fantastic to see work now completed," Cr Reg Kidd said. "This building is going to make a big contribution to local sport."
"As well as giving sportspeople an indoor training venue, the new building will include a new refreshments kiosk which will give volunteers a clear view of the sportsfield, replacing the current kiosk in the basement of the grandstand."
Upper House MP Sam Farraway said that the NSW Government's Club Grants Scheme has funded over 365 community projects including the Wade Park Cricket Centre of Excellence.
" This facility will not only be a game changer for local aspiring cricket stars, it will also provide staff, volunteers, parents and general spectators with a better all-round experience," Sam Farraway said.
"We know that Orange and the Central West produces great athletes across many sporting codes, maybe the next Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath or Ellyse Perry will begin their cricketing career right here at this facility."
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Lee Germon welcomed the opening of the first Cricket & Community Centre in regional NSW.
"In partnership with Cricket Australia, NSW State Government and Orange City Council weare absolutely delighted to have delivered our first regional Cricket & Community Centre at
Wade Park, the Carl Sharpe Cricket Centre", Lee Germon said.
"This centre will provide year-round access for high performance and community cricket in Orange as well as servicing the broader Central West cricket region.
"On behalf of Cricket, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of the project partners, particularly Orange City Council and the NSW Government for investing in a facility that will
support local participation and inspire the next generation of players".
Orange City Council's Sport and Recreation Committee chair, Cr Jason Hamling said the new facility will be very welcome.
"We've got many terrific up-and-coming cricketers and this centre is going to make all the difference," Cr Jason Hamling said.
"The Council has decided to name the building the Carl Sharpe Cricket Centre to celebrate a local identity who was a figurehead for local sport. I'm looking forward to seeing his name across the
front of the building and thanking his family at the community open-day."
"The new additional change rooms in this building will let Wade Park host sporting events which include men and women at the same time. We've not been able to do that adequately before. The
new centre includes four indoor cricket nets that meet Cricket Australia's facility guidelines."
