The next stage of work started today on the site of Orange's new sports precinct and parklands.
Following the decision in February by the Western Regional Planning Panel to give concept planning approval for the project, the NSW Heritage Council gave its permission last week for work to begin.
PROJECT: NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway, Orange City Council Sport & Recreation Committee chair Tammy Greenhalgh and Mayor Jason Hamling check out the sports precinct site.
The project is funded by $25 million from the NSW Government.
The latest stage of work starting today includes removal of the next round of trees and the demolition of a small former golf club building. This part of the project will take approximately four weeks.
The tender for the earthworks is currently being assessed by NSW Public Works Advisory and then as soon as possible will go to Council for awarding. The earthworks include topsoil scraped away and stockpiled on-site. Then, crews will level the three sites of the athletics track, eight sportsfields and the main stadium. This element of the project is expected to take about 20 weeks.
Detailed design and tenders for other elements of the precinct such as the athletics track will follow later this year.
Orange Mayor Cr Jason Hamling is delighted to see more progress on site.
"This stage of work will give residents a clearer idea of the size of the project and what this parklands precinct is going to look like," Cr Jason Hamling said. "The line of old elms along the internal road is going to stay as a brilliant backdrop for the
new parklands. 784 new trees will be planted on the site. That's more trees than we have now. And of the trees that are being removed where possible they will be milled and re-used."
Across the site temporary construction fences have been erected around all the established trees that will be kept. The barriers will protect them while other trees are cleared and when earthmoving begins.
When complete the precinct will include eight sports fields, a purpose-built athletics track and a marque field with a grandstand and sloped areas that can house 8000 spectators.
Orange City Council Sport & Recreation Committee chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh welcomed the start of work.
"The families of Orange will be very pleased to see progress. It's a great vote of confidence in the thought that's gone into this project, that planning approvals have now been given and stage of work can start," Cr Greenhalgh said.
NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said it was fantastic to visit the site today and check in on the progress of the project.
"This project is a game changer for the sporting communities in Orange. Today is another significant milestone in the progress of this project and the commitment from the NSW Government to deliver this $25 million Sporting Precinct for the people of Orange," Mr Farraway said
"The precinct will provide Orange with further tourism opportunities and economic stimulus for the wider Central West by providing a venue that has the ability to attract larger sporting events."
