Work is nearing completion on Maitland’s $10.5 million athletics centre project, with the facility set to open next month.
The works, which are stage two of the broader Maitland Regional Sportsground Precinct development, include the construction of a 400 metre synthetic track and associated field facilities, an amenities building, spectator seating and car parking.
Maitland Senior and Little Athletics Club President, Weston Doley, said having a world class facility would attract more senior athletes to the area, meaning younger athletes won’t have to travel to Sydney to see a high standard of competition.
“As a club, we will help council promote the centre and hopefully host regional and senior carnivals,” he said.
Mr Doley added the project’s expected completion date would be great timing, with the club’s 130 members preparing to start their season in September.
“Last year we shared the ground with East Maitland at Metford Oval,” he said.
“It’s been quite good, we have a good relationship with them but it will be nice have our own ground.”
Maitland Mayor Loretta Baker said the majority of work was finished.
“The turf is there, the grandstand is built and most of the work being undertaken now is on the intersection at High Street, which will be the access point to the centre,” she said.
Mayor Baker said the upgrade was also expected to deliver a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“It’s a professional track, if you have an event it’s international standard, so for our athletes it’s really exciting,” she said.
“We will also have some pretty good events come to the region when it’s finished and, with that, comes the boost to the visitor economy.
“We’ve already had success with No.1 Sportsground, where we have hosted the Knights, Eels and Jets – it’s brought us events we’ve never held before in Maitland.”
Stage three of the project will include upgrading lighting and an LED scoreboard.
Visit Maitland City Council’s website for more information on the project.
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