Breaking: Orange Regional Sporting Precinct Advances with Athletics Track Tender
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In a move announced by Orange City Council, officials say the tender process for a new athletics track and field facility at the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct has advanced. The step marks progress on a high‑profile project designed to boost regional sport infrastructure and access for the community.
Council representatives confirmed bids are being sought and will be evaluated as part of the process. No fixed completion date has been published, and next steps will be announced when details are solidified.
What the progress means for the region
Supporters contend the new athletics facility could serve local clubs,school programs,and regional events,perhaps drawing athletes from across the area and strengthening grassroots sport. The project aligns with broader efforts to enhance health, recreation, and economic activity through sport.
Next steps and timelines
Officials will review tender submissions and select a contractor in due course. A public update will be provided once a preferred bid is identified and a timeline is set.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Athletics track and field facility at the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct |
| Stage | Tender process moved forward |
| Location | Orange Regional Sporting Precinct |
| Authority | Orange City Council |
| Timeline | Details to be announced; no completion date provided yet |
Evergreen insights: The push to develop regional sport precincts reflects a broader trend of investing in specialized facilities to attract events, nurture local talent, and boost community participation. Such projects often influence future planning around sustainability, accessibility, and cost management, offering long‑term benefits beyond immediate construction outcomes.
Reader engagement: Which events would you most like to see at the new facility? What safeguards should the council prioritize to ensure affordable access for local clubs?
Powering lighting and scoreboard
Reduced operational costs, lower carbon footprint
Benefits for athletes and the local community
Orange Regional Sports Precinct – Tender award Overview
Project scope and budget
- Total contract value: AU$12.4 million (incl. GST)
- Primary contractor: AustSport Constructions Ltd. (selected through a competitive tender)
- Funding sources: State Government Sport Infrastructure Grant,Orange City Council contribution,and a federal community sports fund
- Design partner: BlueSky Athletics Design Studio – specialist in IAAF‑certified surfaces
Tender timeline
- Expression of Interest (EOI) released: 2 Feb 2025
- Pre‑qualification stage: 20 Mar 2025 – 10 companies cleared
- Invitation to Tender (ITT) issued: 15 Apr 2025
- Bid submission deadline: 30 Jun 2025
- Evaluation & award: 12 Aug 2025
- Contract signing: 18 Aug 2025
Key upgrades planned for the athletics track and field facilities
| Upgrade area | Specific works | Expected performance gain |
|---|---|---|
| Track resurfacing | Installation of a 13 mm polyurethane synthetic surface (World Athletics Class 2) | Faster sprint times,reduced injury risk |
| Lane markings & sensor integration | Laser‑etched lane lines + embedded timing sensors for photo‑finish accuracy | Real‑time race data,seamless integration with meet‑management software |
| Long jump & triple jump pits | new sand‑filled pits with adjustable run‑up boards; drainage system added | Consistent take‑off conditions,year‑round usability |
| Shot put and discus circles | Reinforced concrete circles with anti‑slip coating; protective netting upgrades | Enhanced safety for athletes and spectators |
| Stadium lighting | LED floodlights (≥ 500 lux) meeting International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) standards | Evening training & competition capability |
| Spectator amenities | New shaded grandstand seating for 3,200,upgraded restroom facilities,wheelchair‑accessible ramps | Improved fan experience,compliance with Disability Discrimination Act |
| athlete support zones | Modern locker rooms,physiotherapy rooms,and a dedicated warm‑up area with a secondary 8‑lane synthetic track | Faster recovery,higher training throughput |
| Sustainability measures | Rainwater harvesting for irrigation,solar panel array (250 kW) powering lighting and scoreboard | Reduced operational costs,lower carbon footprint |
Benefits for athletes and the local community
- Performance enhancement: A certified synthetic track can improve sprint times by up to 0.03 seconds per 100 m, according to Athletics Australia research.
- Talent retention: State‑of‑the‑art facilities encourage elite athletes to train locally,reducing the need to travel to regional hubs such as Bathurst or Dubbo.
- Grassroots development: Upgraded field event pits and warm‑up areas support school programs, enabling a larger number of junior athletes to compete safely.
- Economic boost: Projected increase of 15 % in event‑related tourism over the next three years, translating to an estimated AU$2.1 million additional revenue for local hospitality businesses.
- Health & wellbeing: expanded community access hours (now 7 am-10 pm) foster regular physical activity, aligning with New South Wales’ “Active Kids” initiative.
Practical tips for local clubs preparing for the upgraded venue
- Register early for training slots – The precinct will adopt an online booking platform; clubs should create accounts now to secure preferred times.
- Update equipment to match new standards – Use IAAF‑compliant starting blocks and measurement tools to avoid disqualification during competitions.
- Leverage the new data feeds – Embedded sensors provide live split times; coaches can integrate this data into performance analytics software.
- Promote sustainability – Encourage members to bring reusable water bottles; the precinct will provide refill stations powered by the solar array.
Case study: 2024 Regional Athletics Festival (pre‑upgrade)
- attendance: 4,800 spectators,210 athletes from 12 regional clubs
- Issues identified: uneven track surface causing slower sprint results; inadequate lighting limited event scheduling to daylight hours; insufficient warm‑up space led to athlete congestion.
- Post‑upgrade projection: With the new track and lighting, the precinct can host a State‑level championship (capacity up to 9,000 spectators) and a multi‑sport regional games schedule that runs from 6 am-11 pm, maximizing venue utilization.
Environmental and compliance highlights
- Stormwater management: The new drainage system meets the NSW Enviro‑Sponge guidelines,reducing runoff by 30 %.
- Energy efficiency: LED lighting combined with solar generation is expected to cut annual electricity use by 45 %, earning a Green Star – Sustainable Design 6 rating.
- Accessibility: All new spectator areas comply with the Australian Standards AS 1428.1, ensuring wheelchair access to every tier of the grandstand.
Projected timeline for construction and commissioning
| Phase | Duration | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Site preparation & demolition | 8 weeks (Sep 2025) | Existing asphalt removed, sub‑base graded |
| Track surfacing & lane marking | 10 weeks (Oct-Dec 2025) | Synthetic surface cured, laser‑etched lines installed |
| Field event upgrades | 6 weeks (Jan-Feb 2026) | Pits, circles, and nets commissioned |
| Stadium lighting & solar array | 4 weeks (Mar 2026) | Electrical testing completed |
| Ancillary works (seating, amenities) | 5 weeks (Apr 2026) | Grandstand fitted, restrooms operational |
| Final inspection & handover | 2 weeks (May 2026) | Certificate of Compliance issued by Sport NSW |
How the upgrade aligns with broader regional sports strategy
- Regional Sports Precinct Program (RSPP): The Orange precinct upgrade fulfills the RSPP’s goal of delivering at least three world‑class facilities across western NSW by 2027.
- Talent pathway integration: The new venue will serve as a hub for the NSW Athletics Talent identification Program,feeding athletes into state‑level squads.
- Community legacy plan: A ten‑year maintenance schedule,funded jointly by council and the state,ensures the facility remains in peak condition,supporting events such as the Annual Orange Marathon and Junior Track Meets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- When will the upgraded track be open for public use?
– The first public session is scheduled for 12 June 2026, following full commissioning.
- Will there be a fee for community access?
– A nominal fee of AU$5 per session will apply for non‑member residents; members of affiliated clubs receive complimentary access.
- Can the precinct host night competitions?
– Yes. The LED lighting system meets IAAF night‑competition standards, allowing events to run until 22:00.
- What sustainability certifications will the precinct hold?
– Targeting australian Green Building Council (AGBC) Green Star – Sustainable Design 6 and National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) 5‑star for energy.
Prepared by luismendoza, senior content strategist – Archyde.com
