SOUTH Kempsey construction company Lahey Constructions Pty. Ltd has been named as the successful builder for the highly anticipated and newly named Wiigulga Sports Complex at Woolgoolga.

Construction work on the $23.1 million multipurpose sporting facility, located on Solitary Islands Way opposite the entrance to Woolgoolga High School, will commence next month.

The sporting complex will include outdoor AFL, touch football and multi-use fields, cricket practice nets, and a multi-purpose centre featuring two indoor courts for basketball and netball, a stage, multi-purpose rooms, a cafe, kitchen and amenities.

Tenders for construction of the complex were called following the completion of the detailed design by Populous.

“This is probably the most exciting moment so far of this prestigious project, which is funded by all three levels of government,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight said.

“It’s the biggest Council project ever to come to Woolgoolga and I know there is huge anticipation locally to see the building work finally begin.”

Lahey Constructions Manager Matt Fearnley said as a local Mid North Coast builder for over 70 years, Lahey was delighted to be awarded the Wiigulga Sports Complex project as it’s a project that is very important to the local community.

“Lahey has longstanding relationships with many local subcontractors and we look forward to working collaboratively with Coffs Harbour City Council to deliver this prestigious sports facility for the community” Mr Fearnley said.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and State Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh also welcomed the appointment of Lahey Constructions as the principal contractor for the Wiigulga Sports Complex.

Mr Hogan said the project was a game changer for the entire Northern Beaches.

“Our community has been fighting to make this a reality for over 10 years,” Mr Hogan said.

“It will allow Woolgoolga to host major sporting and cultural events, drawing more people to our region.

“This project is all about creating and supporting local jobs – it will create over 140 jobs during construction and support many more into the future.”

Mr Singh said he wants the community to have access to the best possible recreation facilities.

“I’d like to congratulate and applaud our community for their commitment over the years to this project,” Mr Singh said.

“When complete, this facility will cater for AFL, cricket, basketball, netball and touch football.”

The Wiigulga Sports Complex project was made possible through joint funding from the Australian Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, a State Government election commitment funded in the 2019-20 Budget under the Stronger Communities stream and Coffs Harbour City Council.

The Federal Government contributed $10 million to the project, the State Government contributed $8 million and Coffs Harbour City Council is providing the balance.

Wiigulga Sports Complex is expected to be completed in late 2022.