COFFS Harbour Showground Exhibition Hall and grandstand will literally light up with a new transformer/substation being installed as part of the upgrades on the historic Pacific Highway site.

Funded by a $350,000 grant under Round Five of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, the transformer is on order and keenly awaited by the Coffs Harbour Level Projects construction team on site.

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Shaking hands on the funding, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh donned a hard hat and went onsite to see the works’ progress on Tuesday 14 February.

Mr Singh congratulated the Coffs Harbour Showground Crown Land Management Board on their successful application for the $350,000 grant to upgrade their electricity supply.

“This includes the supply and installation of a new transformer and associated works,” said Mr Singh.

“This vital upgrade is required for the re-opening of the upgraded Exhibition Hall and for the supply of power to the new grandstand once it is completed.”

There’s a feel-good vibe in this project, with Level Projects directors Mike Zucker and Joel Paine employing and subcontracting local tradies who have an emotional investment in the job.

“There’s a good skilled labour workforce being developed in this region because of the recent big jobs we’ve had,” Mike Zucker told News Of The Area.

“Consultants, architects, engineers, pretty much all local,” said Mike.

“It means I can put out a call and say ‘hey can you be here tomorrow’ and they’re there onsite the next day, and being local there’s that care, they know what the Exhibition Hall is being used for,” said Mike.

Deb Farquhar, chairman of the Coffs Harbour Showground Crown Land Management Board, told NOTA, “The installation of the new transformer/substation allows us to add air conditioning and technology to the refurbished Exhibition Hall, supply electricity to the new Grandstand, and to be confident that we are not overloading the system when holding big events on the grounds.

“When complete, the refurbished Exhibition Hall will have new fully compliant, modern amenities, a reception area, two new meeting rooms, and significantly enlarged function spaces.

“The front access includes an undercover drop-off area and accessibility parking,” she said.

Mike estimates the new hall is close to double its former size.

“Crying out to be done, it’s going to be great when it’s up and running with new different events,” Coffs Harbour Showground manager Shane Herden told NOTA.

“We’re hoping to get indoor conferences and trade nights and a few more exhibitions, weddings and big events and of course looking forward to the annual Coffs Harbour Agricultural Show and the Rotary Book Fair.”

By Andrea FERRARI