The project to upgrade the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre has passed a significant milestone, with the awarding of the $14.5 million construction tender this week.
After a thorough evaluation process, AlburyCity has chosen Lavington company Zauner Construction to carry out Stage 1 of the redevelopment project, with the help of $5 million from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.
Zauner Construction has extensive experience in large-scale construction projects for both private and government sectors, including multi-purpose sporting halls of similar value and complexity.
The project will deliver much-needed upgrades to the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, providing opportunities for increased participation in sports and activities for both men and women, better spectator and player comfort, and greater capacity to host large-scale tournaments, bringing significant economic benefit to the region.
Albury Mayor, Kylie King, said the awarding of the construction tender was a crucial step in a major project for one of Albury’s iconic venues.
“This is a cause for celebration, and we are excited to reach this milestone and to see the vision for this enhanced venue begin to take shape,” she said.
“Not only will this project enhance our offerings for the community to watch and take part in sport and recreation, the venue’s increased capacity will also enable us to attract high-profile interstate tournaments to our city.”
NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said that projects like these show the NSW Government’s commitment to upgrading sporting facilities so that they can best meet the needs of the whole community they serve.
“Local sport infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and the upgrades to the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre will see more people be able to participate in sport and recreation both on and off the court,” he said.
This project is the first part of the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre Master Plan, which was adopted in 2018 following extensive community consultation and is consistent with the recently endorsed Stage 2 Masterplan for Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and Aquatics Facility.
Deliverables of the redevelopment include:
- upgraded and compliant courts
- new player and family-accessible changerooms
- first aid room
- increased show court seating capacity from 1,000 to 1,400
- new meeting room and corporate space
- tournament hosting space
- storage spaces
- outdoor shade structures and landscaping.
In addition to the NSW Government funding, AlburyCity has allocated funds in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 budgets in recognition that the redevelopment of the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre is a priority project for the city.
Work on the upgrade is expected to begin in September and is scheduled for completion by early 2026. At least two courts are expected to remain operational at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre throughout the construction phase to cater for the existing demand during the construction period,
AlburyCity has signed a lease agreement with The Scots School Albury to use two indoor courts outside of school hours.
Community members can stay up-to-date with progress on the construction project via the Major Projects page on the AlburyCity website, as well as updates on Council’s Facebook and Instagram channels and community newsletter, All About Albury.