“Both the adopted Bega and Pambula Sporting complex master plans have been an important element in council’s current funding application to the state government,” manager of leisure and recreation John Grady said. 

“They were an important attachment to the initial funding expression of interest and the final business case application.”

Joint grant applications were provided for both ground plans, but council is waiting to hear back from the government on their progress. 

However, there were delays to the finalisation of the Pambula plans, with councillors on September 19 voting to incorporate the provision of squash courts and a multi-use space as part of the overall plans. 

The existing plan proposal was still valid, but would be updated to include the squash courts, Mr Grady said.

Mr Grady said the Pambula plans were also more significant in terms of more road access and parking works required to be carried out. 

Meanwhile, many questioned what appeared to be a second set of plans commissioned for the Bega ground following the Ross Planning submission in 2015.

Read More: 2016 input sought for plans

However, Mr Grady said the current design plan was a more detailed brief for the main structure joining the Recreation Ground and George Griffin Oval. 

“The recent consultation process was to develop a more detailed concept plan for that element. The outcome of that consultation will be reported to council in the new year,” Mr Grady said. 

Canberra firm Cox Architecture was part of the final design work following two community meetings held by council previously.

Both proposals bear significant upgrades to grounds and on-site infrastructure, which has added to the time-frame.

“Both the Bega and Pambula master plans include a number of elements, some of them major projects in themselves,” Mr Grady said.

Various clubs and sporting groups had been invited to provide feedback on the drafts of both plans and council is confident of having the best options in place to satisfy community needs. 

The upgrades could alleviate a number of existing concerns for sporting clubs in both areas with the Bega plan to provide new change rooms and canteen facilities – there is still no permanent canteen at the recreation ground after an arson attack destroyed the previous structure in 2015. 

The Bega plans can be seen here – while the Pambula plan is available on the council website.