Bega sports clubs backing master plan design

Last week Bega Valley Shire councillors gave the nod to ground and upper floor plans for a full indoor stadium rebuild that will feature two kiosks, numerous changerooms and toilet amenities.

The concept also provides for a significant improvement to undercover seating at the Bega Recreation Ground.

Bega Devils president Kerryn Constable said she was "stoked" with the plans after a long and arduous process to be nearing the final ticks of approval.

"I'm stoked with the last lot of plans ... we've advocated fairly strongly to have an even balance on both sides, all the George Griffin side has sought is a fair crack of the facilities."

She said the design provided good common access from both grounds to toilets and change rooms, while a pair of kiosks at opposing ends of the design will support both the Recreation Ground and the George Griffin ground simultaneously.

Bega Roosters president Phil Dummett agreed the design ticked critical boxes for the ground to host major games like NRL trials, A-league fixtures and potentially Big Bash or state cricket draws.

"We haven't had these facilities before in relation to hosting these games and most of the clubs have got what they wanted," Mr Dummett said.

The concept also includes an indoor multi-use stadium that has drawn majority support from the netball and volleyball clubs with provision for indoor basketball, soccer and other games.

"The indoor stadium looks fantastic," Ms Constable said, adding the user group had sought input from the clubs that will make best use of it.

She said there were so many ground users with various needs that she was thrilled to see the plans nearly ready for tender.

"I'm thrilled with [designers] N2SH from Victoria, they've been amazing to work around all of our needs."

Bega-Angledale Bulls president Rod McDonald agreed the plans will provide for everyone and was delighted to see them moving forward.

"It's a difficult thing working with a lot of different stakeholders, but it's a very practical design and we're looking forward to having facilities that we haven't had here before," Mr McDonald said.

Mr McDonald praised the work of the user group committee working with council.

"It's hard to please everyone, but I think it's been a great job to get something like this done," he said.

The plans provide for 10 change rooms in total with rooms for girls and women a major factor as female playing numbers have skyrocketed in most sporting codes.

"That was one of the big things for us was provision of change rooms specifically for girls and women," Mr Dummett said.

"Our club is growing at an immense rate and separate change rooms for female cricketers is going to help that as well," Mr McDonald said in agreement.

A major draw for the Recreation Ground side is also a large canter-levered roof that will provide for about 1200 undercover seats.

Ms Constable praised the design of the building, which will boast a contemporary look.

"We think it looks beautiful and for me it's a bonus, it's been stated the Recreation Ground is the main field and it will benefit from that canter-levered roof, but it's going to be beautiful on the George Griffin side too and for everyone who uses those facilities," she said.

Mr McDonald agreed the design will help unify separate sporting grounds into one combined complex.

"It will certainly make it more of a sports precinct and I think that's really positive," he said.

He said there will be challenges during the rebuild, but the finished complex would be worth it.

"There will be a little pain around the demolish and rebuild, but it's going to be a real high class facility."

"It's a sense of relief [to be this close] and I just can't wait to get it started," Ms Constable added.