THE ageing grandstand at Carrington Park will get new seats thanks to a State Government funding boost announced yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But more is needed to bring the outdated facility in line with other Central West football venues, according to Bathurst mayor Gary Rush.
The Carrington Park facilities were on show during the NRL clash between the Panthers and Sharks last month – the first in a five-year deal with Bathurst Regional Council.
“We need to have a ground that’s fitting of the NRL, and other top class sporting events, like the A-League soccer,” Cr Rush told the Western Advocate before the match.
“Carrington Park is an important asset, but it’s 30 years old, so it needs to be reviewed as there are such high expectations for the ground.”
Cr Rush welcomed the $23,155 grant for new seats, saying their installation would not affect the possibility of a new grandstand for the park.
“You can attach them and then take them off if there was a new stadium,” he said.
In recent times, the park’s kitchens have been updated, the change rooms painted and subsidence work done at the Howick Street end.
Deputy mayor Ian North said the State Government funding would be money well spent.
“When you think bang for your buck, it’s time for an upgrade to make people more comfortable,” he said.
Cr North said Carrington Park is the “rugby league heartland” of Bathurst and he would “love it to get bigger and better”.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced the funding as part of the Sport and Recreation Facility Program.
Mr Toole said while the new seating will help upgrade the facility, the long-term plan would be for a new grandstand.
Council will soon seek prices for the new seats and Cr Rush expects them to be in place by the start of the next rugby league season.