Tamworth’s premier sporting oval has a new pavilion to match its reputation, with an upgraded facility officially opened on Friday after a jointly funded redevelopment that puts women and girls’ participation front and centre.
The No. 1 Oval Pavilion, in the heart of Bicentennial Park, now features modern men’s and women’s changerooms, new public toilets and expanded storage areas. The project was jointly funded by Tamworth Regional Council, Cricket NSW, AFL NSW/ACT and $1,269,537 from the NSW Government, with local firm Shay Brennan Constructions handling the design and build.
NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upgrade would make a real difference to local participation.
“The upgraded No. 1 Oval Pavilion is a fantastic boost for Tamworth, giving local players and families a modern, accessible space to enjoy.
“These upgrades will provide inclusive changerooms and improved amenities that make it easier for women and girls to participate in local sport, while providing the community with a facility that will serve the community well into the future.”
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said the works marked a significant milestone in the Bicentennial Park Masterplan.
“As our region grows, our facilities need to grow with them.
“The upgrade of the No. 1 Oval Pavilion gives our community a bigger space to utilise at this incredible oval in town.”
Cr Webb also paid tribute to the local contractor who delivered the project.
“We were lucky to have a local contractor on board in Shay Brennan and his team. They worked with Council throughout the project and helped us navigate any challenges thrown our way.
“Shay Brennan Constructions have done an incredible job on this project and now we all have this great facility to utilise.”
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said the upgrade was important not just for AFL clubs but for the broader community.
“The AFL is dedicated to ensuring Aussie Rules participants across NSW have access to quality infrastructure and inclusive facilities.
“The upgrades to Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval provide exactly that, and as a partner on the project, we’re delighted to help enable this for not only AFL participants and club members in the North West, but the wider community, too.
“Facility projects like this are also key to the continued growth of our game across NSW and we’re excited to see the ongoing impact the upgrades at the No. 1 Oval will have on the region for generations to come.”
Cricket NSW Senior Manager for Government Relations and Infrastructure Dean Hunter said the inclusion focus was a highlight of the project.
“Cricket NSW, via the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund, is delighted to have supported the Tamworth Regional Council in delivering improvements to its No. 1 Oval Pavilion.
“The upgrades will ensure that more local cricket participants have access to modern and inclusive facilities, supporting the game’s growth particularly among women and children.”
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage