LAUREN Jackson Sports Centre could be about to undergo an initial $4 million upgrade which would include the removal of the existing grandstand area.
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Albury councillors were briefed on the major redevelopment plan on Monday night with a second stage $10 million expansion of the centre incorporating showcourt with seating for 2200 spectators also on the radar of staff.
The initial upgrade which will address long-standing issues with a leaking roof, the damage presently being done to existing courts due to portable seating set-up and additional changeroom facilities.
The stage one works will be presented to council next Monday.
Director James Jenkins said the court surface was close to reaching its use-by date and work was needed to ensure it remained competitive with other regional centres in attracting major events.
“It is about fixing up what is in the existing footprint with a few slight additions,” he said.
Despite the removal of the grandstand area, Mr Jenkins said the seating capacity for Bandits matches could actually increase from 1100 to 1400 spectators with a mix of retractable and portable seating options either side of the existing main court.
“We’re saying we would like to progress with stage one as a standalone project,” he said.
“We believe it will be very attractive to funding bodies.”
Cr Murray King queried whether any consideration had been given to bulldozing the centre and starting again at another location in the city given the roof and floor needed replacing and planned removal of the grandstand area.
In reply, Mr Jenkins said the decision to remain at the existing site had been made and there were no issues with the structural integrity of the centre.
“You would be looking at a considerably higher cost," he said.
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