After the successful completion of the NSW Touch Association Junior State Cup Southern Conference, work is now scheduled to commence on the construction phase of the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre.
Contractors will begin the demolition phase of the project on Monday 26 February 2024, weather permitting.
Contract Project Manager Matt Griffin noted that this phase is expected to be complete within a month.
“During the demolition phase, contractors will remove all above-ground infrastructure to provide a blank slate for the new facility’s construction,” Mr Griffin said.
“Heavy machinery will remove and dispose of the fencing, concrete, and all previous athletics event infrastructure, ensuring where possible that all appropriate materials are recycled.
“Once demolition is complete, the design of the new facility will be finalised, and construction will commence.”
When completed, the upgraded Athletics Centre will include a 400-metre all-weather synthetic track, and a wide selection of specialty athletics and warmup facilities related to long jump, shotput, steeplechase, javelin, discus throw and high jump events.
Upon completion of the track-work portion of construction, Track and Field lighting for the upgraded athletics centre will be installed by specialist contractors.
Community impacts during this time are expected to be minimal. Local residents can expect minor increases in traffic, with heavy vehicles accessing the site via Holbrook Road, while light vehicles may access the site via the Jubilee Car Park.
Trade-related vehicles will also park in the Jubilee Car Park while undertaking works, so visitors to the centre can expect an increase in car park usage.
According to Council’s Manager of Recreation & Economic Development, Ben Creighton, updates to the facility will play a key role in attracting future top-tier events to the region.
“The benefits of the upgrade to the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre include increased economic and tourism activity from event attendees and providing a high-quality year-round athletics facility for the Wagga Wagga community,” Mr Creighton said.
“The Athletics Centre will be closed during construction; however, Council has prepared an interim location for local schools and organisations to host athletics events.
“We have worked closely with local and state athletic groups to prepare a temporary athletics facility located at Wiradjuri Reserve.”
“The interim site will include an athletics track, throwing circles and cages, long and triple jump pits, and line markings for javelin, along with additional portable toilets and temporary storage facilities for club equipment.”
The upgrade of the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre is scheduled for completion in late 2024.
This project is funded through the NSW Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and CLUBGrants.
