The $8.25M redevelopment of the Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina, which was promised in the 2019 Federal election campaign, will finally start construction in February following lengthy delays in the design process.
In 2019, the Federal Government committed the funds to upgrade a range of facilities at the precinct which included the construction of a modern BMX Pump Track, upgrades to the existing skate park, a new outdoor basketball court, parking, walking tracks, exercise station and a barbecue-viewing area.
Draft changes to Council’s Capital Works program, if approved, will now allow construction to start on the tennis facility, road and carparks in February, and construction of the sports amenities building in September.
Construction of the skate park and recreation area re-development will commence in December 2022 however more community consultation may be needed and will be conducted in the first half of 2022.
The cricket nets will be upgraded in July 2023, with full completion of all projects anticipated by November 2023.
Treasurer and Sponsorship Coordinator for Umina United FC, Gavin Robinson, said club members are excited about the plans and “can’t wait” for construction to start.
“This has been a very long and sometimes tiring process but its good to finally know it’s going ahead,” Robinson said.
“Our club has grown enormously over the years – 73 teams, 783 playing members – our women’s football is growing at an alarming rate …
“Just to have this announcement made is going to be very well received by our members … our members and supporters are going to end up with a terrific facility that we can have for the whole community.
“I’ve been involved at the club for 11 years now and I know there has been many before me that have attempted to get some form of upgrade of the facilities done.
“The amenities we have at the moment – we have a very small canteen area, the changerooms are in a bad way and our toilet facilities are … not the best.
“To know that we are receiving four brand new changing rooms for men and women, upgraded bathroom facilities for disabled and ambulant participants, an upgraded clubroom … we are very happy.”
Life Member and past president of Umina Junior Rugby League Club, Ken Dyer, said the design process was a “little bit slow, but these things take time.
“We needed appropriate facilities for the kids, no one really came wanting the Taj Mahal but just enough facilities to do the job properly,” Dyer said.
“This upgrade was critical – the electrics are fairly poor, upstairs has been completely shut down because it was vandalised, the rest of the building is in pretty poor condition.”
The Melbourne Ave building was built by volunteers in the early 1980s and currently holds a plaque wall with a list of donations which will be put into the new build.
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said it was a “really exciting time” to see the community-driven project be given its construction date.
“This is fantastic news for local sporting clubs and Peninsula residents who have been waiting for this announcement and are looking forward to using the new facilities,” Wicks said.
“It’s been an incredibly frustrating process – we have known of some of the many challenges that have occurred over the last couple of years with Council – but the great thing is to see the way in which all the groups are working with Council to make sure they get a project the entire community is proud of.
“Some of the delays have been caused by consultation with the various sporting groups as they realised that perhaps the earlier designs weren’t fit for purpose for what they needed now, and for
in the future.”
Director of the Umina Community Group, Tony Winch, said the group had been involved in the project from beginning to end.
“These are absolutely generational changes,” Winch said.
“We had a fantastic budget, so we really have optimised every last little bit … we are very happy.”
Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the redevelopment will also put Council on a stronger financial footing.
“We’re thankful to the Federal Government for the substantial funding, which is enabling Council to deliver new sports and recreation infrastructure based on the community’s vision and needs,” Hart said.
“The community group – I have to say, almost unique in my time in local government, have I seen such a committed group of people who know exactly what they need to do and can find money.
“And that’s the big thing because everyone has contributed into this project and it’s going to be a win-win for everyone.”
Maisy Rae