THE next stages of construction of Scully Park Oval have had a boost with a $500,000 NSW government grant.
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Wests Entertainment Group applied for the money under the ClubGRANTS Category 3 scheme to assist with its $2.8 million project.
NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant said the project would give Tamworth a sporting and tourism boost.
A former Kootingal resident, Mr Grant said he had played on all three former Scully Park ovals.
“This will set Tamworth on the front foot to attract major sporting events,” he said.
“This puts Tamworth at the forefront of facilities and there is no reason that the A League can’t come and play here.”
The project involves a new undercover grandstand to accommodate about 740 spectators, a laser-levelled playing field, LED lighting towers, the refurbishment of amenities and the formation of a spectators’ hill.
It is planned to be in operation by mid-April, with Group 4 rugby league fixtures expected to play there this season.
Mr Grant said Wests was successful in its funding application because of the city’s increased sporting participation, with the money going back into sport to give greater access to these types of facilities.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the facility could be used to showcase sports including rugby league, rugby union and soccer.
He said it also meant Wests could survive by diversifying, as it had done with the stadium – and there is a motel yet to be built on the former Scully Park No. 1 site.
“I think it’s a ‘build it and they will come’ situation,” Mr Anderson said in response to the heated discussions that had come from Scully Park No. 1 making way for a motel and the new facility being built as its replacement.
“There are going to be people with strong ties to the original Scully Park, but it would be very encouraging for them to come and have a look.”
Wests Entertainment Group board president John McClelland said the Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct would become the premier space throughout the North West for use by the local community, community organisations and sporting groups.
Wests chief executive officer Rod Laing said the facility was intended for sport, although there had been rumours that concerts could be held there.
The $400,000 playing surface meant sport had precedence.
“The grant will make it a little easier to complete the project,” Mr Laing said.
Category 3 of the ClubGRANTS scheme was established by the NSW government in 2011 as a direct deduction from club gaming machine profits into a state-wide funding pool for large-scale community projects.