Sporting complex moving ahead

Published on 05 November 2021

The redevelopment of the O'Neill Sporting Complex has taken another step forward after Councillors appointed Barnson to undertake detailed designs.

Barnson are a major engineering, building, and planning firm with offices in Sydney, Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee, and Tamworth.

Some of the firm's recent major projects include the Kingsway Sporting Complex in Penrith, Coffs Harbour International Stadium, and the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee.

Council's General Manager, Jay Nankivell, said he was excited to have Barnson on board after the firm was awarded the $438,000 design tender at last night Extraordinary Meeting of Council.

"Barnson have a very impressive resume when it comes to major sporting facilities, so we're keen to work with them and move from a concept design to a detailed design so we can then tender for construction," he said.

"This is a project the community and our staff are very excited about, and it was a bit frustrating for a while there with everything stalled due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

"But with this tender awarded we can put the plans in place to deliver the first stage of this project for the community."

Mr Nankivell said solid planning would again be a focus for Council as the project moves forward.

"For any project to be a success you have to make a significant investment in sound planning and design, and that's what Council has done," he said.

"Barnson have a team of qualified professionals who will ensure that we have a properly designed sporting complex that meets sporting and industry specifications, and meets the needs of our sporting groups."

The $3.2 million first stage of the redevelopment of the O'Neill Sporting Complex will involve the resurfacing of netball courts, installation of lighting at the netball courts and Norm Fox Oval, installation of accessible paths to link the various sporting facilities in the precinct, and improved roads and parking.

This project is funded by Broken Hill City Council and the NSW Government through the Resources For Regions program.