THE $9.6 million upgrade of the Tamworth Hockey Centre is entering its final stages ahead of April's winter hockey season.
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So far, works have included resurfacing of the Tamworth Hockey Association's existing water-based pitches, installation of a third pitch and construction of a new amenities building.
The new facilities, along with new flood lights, will make Tamworth one of the best equipped hockey centres in Australia.
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Association president Mark O'Connor said the upgrade would allow Tamworth to play host to more large-scale tournaments and competitions in the future.
"This upgrade means Tamworth will be the first regional association in the country to have three water-based fields all under lights of international standard," O'Connor said.
"It really sets Tamworth on the map and brings us up to be one of the premier associations in the country.
"Having the three fields, change rooms and associated infrastructure means that we can host those events that require bigger numbers.
"The other big thing this does, is help our domestic competitions expand and provide our local players with better opportunities to develop their skills."
The association will not have to wait long to test out its new facilities, as it prepares to play host to the men's 40-45 masters state championships in May.
"That we be a really great lead in to the year, because it's something we've never been able to host before," O'Connor said.
"Hosting these kinds of events will certainly provide an injection into the local economy, Tamworth hockey and the region."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said rain could be the only factor preventing the project from being complete ahead of the winter season.
"One thing we have been blessed with is the recent rain storms that have been coming," Mr Anderson said.
"Rain and construction doesn't mix, but I think we can be thankful of the rain and if it pushes back the finish time by a couple of weeks, I think that is a small price to pay.
"I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making this project possible."
The project is funded by the state government ($7.2 million) Tamworth Regional Council ($1.636 million) and Tamworth Hockey Association ($800,000).
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
