A partnership between Tasmania’s West Tamar Council and Launceston Christian School has resulted in the construction of a new multipurpose oval.
The West Tamar Council and Launceston Christian School have joined together to construct a multipurpose recreation area on the school’s grounds, which is set to benefit the whole community.
Construction of the oval will include boundary fencing, AFL goal posts, an astro cricket wicket and sportsground lighting.
Future use of the ground is proposed to be solely the Launceston Christian School’s during school hours, and then open to the general public outside of that.
The space will eventually provide a fit for purpose oval for the school, as well as regional, state and local sporting clubs across a number of sporting codes. It will also relieve the current congestion at the Windsor Community Precinct, providing an alternative training area and activity space.
A $1 million grant was received to fund the project, as part of the Community Development Grants Programme, after an election promise was made by Malcolm Turnbull during a visit prior to the 2016 Federal Election.
The main construction of the oval is being undertaken by Baker Group who won the tender to complete the surface structure and lighting, in September 2017.
Sports Turf Consultants were also engaged to design and specify the construction plans of the oval, alongside Engineering Solutions Tasmania who have designed the electrical and lighting.
Construction started in October 2017 and is progressing well, aiming for completion in late February 2018, with Council looking to take control at the start of May 2018.
The Baker Group have proven themselves to be ahead of the field in sports ground construction, having recently completed City of Launceston’s Invermay Park reconstruction of the playing surface and installation of lights, as well as works at Kings Meadows High School and St Patrick’s College.
A steering committee was formed between the West Tamar Council and Launceston Christian School to oversee the construction, and as an overriding control body of the project.
This innovative partnership will lead the way for other councils to work with local schools and community groups to join forces and achieve greater projects, avoiding duplication and managing maintenance programs.
