Families and sport lovers in north Byron shire will soon see a start to construction of the long-awaited sports field on Shara Boulevard.
Byron Shire Council yesterday announced it was ‘full steam ahead’ for building the new facility, with a start set for later this month.
Mayor Simon Richardson welcomed the tender being awarded for the building of the North Ocean Shores Sports Field and said there would be some very happy residents in the north of Byron Shire.
‘The community has been waiting a long time for this project and we are on the way to delivering the new facility,’ Cr Richardson said.
‘It’s fully funded and will become a central hub for the many families who support healthy lifestyles and outdoor activities.
‘Site establishment has been completed and we’re looking forwarded to the kick-off later in the year,’ he said.
The tender has been awarded to Main Constructions Pty Ltd, a contractor experienced in the delivery of sporting fields and facilities.
Council’s director of infrastructure services, Phil Holloway said construction would start later this month and due for completion in August this year.
Mr Holloway said that subject to favourable weather, the amenities building, car park and associated infrastructure was planned to be completed by June, with the field being playable by August following the required turf establishment and maintenance period.
President of the Shores United Soccer Club, Marc Patten, said ‘this is fantastic news and eagerly awaited by our community’.
‘The announcement coincides with what will be a record turn out for the Shores United Soccer Club over the next year,’ Mr Patten said.
‘The new facility is greatly appreciated in a community where one third of the shire’s ratepayers live.’
The new sports field will include:
• a soccer field suitable for ‘premier division’ matches
• low spill lighting
• car park sealing, overflow car park and bus bay
• pedestrian connections
• electrical, water, wastewater and telecommunications services
• installation of sporting infrastructure
• construction of the amenities building which includes public toilets, home and visiting team change rooms, canteen, referees room, medical room and covered outdoor area
• landscaping and compensatory habitat works.
The master plan site layout can be viewed at on Council’s website at www.byron.nsw.gov.au.
Further information on the project is available from council’s project officer, Nikki Bourke on 6626 7086.
