Construction of the new Wagga Police Citizens Youth Club could begin later this year, but the timing hinges on council approval and government funding.
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The PCYC is looking to replace its ageing Gurwood Street premises with a new building on land at the corner of Fitzhardinge and Edward streets, next to Robertson Oval.
A development application for the $18 million project was approved in January 2017, but some changes to the original proposal mean an amendment is currently with Wagga City Council, after being lodged on January 22 this year.
“The modification involves the enclosure of the approved outdoor court, internal layout changes, consolidating the two southern-most pods into a single pod, changes to window sizes on the Edward Street elevation and relocation of the approved bus parking bay to the underground carpark,” council’s manager city development Paul O'Brien said.
A PCYC spokesman said details of previously promised grants from state and federal governments were also being finalised.
PCYC regional manager Brett Somerville has previously told The Daily Advertiser his organisation was ready to go as soon as official confirmation of funding was finalised.
“It’s probable we will be in there by 2020. We’re ready to go pending the government go-ahead,” he said.
In addition to the funding to come from state and federal governments, Wagga City Council has agreed to donate $3 million to get the new facility built on the site of the old South Wagga Bowling Club.
The size of the current club is hampering attempts to increase new activities because the limited space is full during peak afternoon and evening times.
The Gurwood Street location is also considered unsuitable for a drop-in centre.
The new club building will house three indoor sports courts, several multipurpose rooms, a police office, space for youth services, a cafe and a youth hub.
With the new facility, there will be space for a variety of indoors sports, from gymnastics, martial arts and boxing to basketball, netball, futsal and volleyball.
Group sports events, including school activities, could be accommodated in the new building.
Former long-serving club supervisor Fred Loneragan has welcomed the plans.
“I’ve seen the plans and they look great,” he said.
