BATHURST Regional Council has given every indication it intends working towards developing a longer-term relationship with the Penrith Panthers to play National Rugby League matches at Carrington Park, with plans for a $6.1 million extension to the main grandstand at the ground.
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The initiative is part of council’s ongoing efforts to breathe new life into what is the region’s number one sporting venue, with possible funding pencilled in its 2017-18 management plan.
The Carrington Park grandstand can now hold 1100 people and the upgrade would potentially double its capacity to 2200 fans.
In recent years council has invested heavily in the venue, spending $110,000 ensuring the playing surface is up to NRL standard by putting in new drainage, top dressing and reseeding the
surface; new seating in the grandstand worth more than $23,000; $18,000 for new goal posts in last year’s off season; an upgrade of the kitchen in the grandstand; and even $7500 back in 2007 to install spikes in the rafters of the grandstand to keep the pigeons out.
The 2016-17 budget also has funds to the tune of $400,000 set aside for new field lighting at Carrington Park with a view to the Panthers playing night NRL matches here.
Money is also coming in future years for modifications to existing change rooms ($150,000); air conditioning system to grandstand building ($200,000); $500,000 for a new multi-functional building at Carrington; $400,000 for a new amenities block; and $50,000 to demolish the old amenities block.
In recent times Carrington Park has also hosted A-League soccer, but it is the drive to bring the facility up to the expectations of what is expected of an NRL venue that is driving council.
Mayor Gary Rush said the big spend on Carrington Park was in line with Bathurst Regional Council’s drive to improve sporting infrastructure because of the economic benefits sport brings.
“It’s all part of council’s policy of planning for the future and continuing to put infrastructure in place that will hold us in good stead,” he said.
“The grandstand at Carrington Park comes under the sport and recreation banner, and the upgrade will further enhance Bathurst’s recognition as a destination with the very best sporting facilities and with that comes the economic benefits of being able to attract the big events here.
“Of course we have the Penrith Panthers who have made it clear they want to have a presence here for the longer term, but it’s much more than that.
“We envisage bidding for events such as A-League soccer, Super Rugby matches and even concerts. If it’s big, we want to be part of it.”
Cr Rush said council was in the enviable financial position of being able to take on these type of projects and deliver them to the community.
President of Bathurst Panthers Rugby League Football Club, Dennis Comerford said doubling the capacity of the grandstand made sense and was in line with talk doing the rounds that the deal with the Panthers is set to be extended from five years to 10 years.
“There’s a lot of speculation about this, but it’s becoming common knowledge that’s the likely scenario,” he said.
“I don’t know if any official deal has yet to be struck, but if there is that type of money in council’s budget for a grandstand extension it’s not hard to work out something is going on and that talk is well past the preliminary negotiation stage.”
