THE Lavington Sportsground redevelopment is cranking up with coaches boxes which have been in place for about two decades being relocated to make way for the major grandstand extension.
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Contractors Hansen Yuncken moved the coaches boxes from the northern side of the ground to the hill area this week.
They were added to the venue as part of the region's brief exposure to a state league presence with the VFL team called the Murray Kangaroos.
The Murray Kangaroos were a joint venture between North Melbourne and the Ovens and Murray league and split home games between Melbourne and Lavington between 2000 and 2002 before being disbanded due to cost pressures.
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Hansen Yuncken's presence at the venue is increasing as it undertakes the next stages of the work after winning the $10.5 million contract for the works in late March.
The Lavington Panthers football and netball teams will continue to play at the ground this season with the club's next home match next Saturday against Wangaratta Rovers.
"These next stages will deliver, among other things, an extra 500 grandstand seats, a new amenities building with four change rooms and a kiosk, while the new coaches' box will also include an area for media covering sporting events," Albury mayor Kevin Mack said.
"It's exciting to see such tangible work on a project that will give Albury one of regional Australia's best sporting venues, with all the economic and social advantages that such a first-class facility can provide."
Lavington Panthers committeeman Max Grimmond said it was exciting for the club to see the redevelopment of the ground move forward.
"The relocation of the coaches' box is another step towards the transformation of our home ground into one of the best in regional Australia and our players and officials can't wait to see the next stages of the work completed," he said.
The secondary playing field is nearing completion and will be available for use this summer.
"The person who was a panel member had worked for the tenderer for a period of less than four months and in a time period of more than five years ago," Cr Thurley said.
"They had no ongoing relationship and I found it a little unfortunate that was raised publicly.
"But the probity report has completely exonerated council and that staff member and no ongoing issues."
