Wagga PCYC is preparing to start building its $23 million multi-purpose centre after more than five years of planning and fundraising.
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The youth organisation has in the past few weeks started preparing and levelling the site for the new building on Fitzhardinge Street.
The PCYC released its concept plans for the building in July 2016 and secured the final $10 million it needed from the federal government in April 2019.
The state government had previously committed $10m and Wagga City Council $3 million towards finding a replacement for the Gurwood Street building, which was built in 1963.
The long awaited building, on the site of the former South Wagga Bowling Club, is now on track to be completed in late 2022.
Wagga PCYC manager Wayne Flood said he would like to thank the federal and state governments as well as Wagga City council for their financial support.
"We're looking forward to opening our new building continuing our programs and activities that provide a significant benefit to the community," he said.
The NSW PCYC or Police Citizens Youth Club is a charity that aims to run youth activities in a safe, fun and friendly environment.
The organisation also works with at-risk youth to break the cycle of disadvantage through crime prevention, vocational education and social responsibility programs.
Wagga Police youth case manager, Senior Constable Zarina Manguia, said she would be very happy to see the upgraded building arrive with new equipment and technology.
"Right now we're in an old and outdated building.. The kids are great but it will help them to have something new. It's also much closer to the CBD," she said.
Wagga PCYC has lodged an application with Wagga City Council to start building the new centre.
Council strategic asset planner Ben Creighton said the PCYC was close to gaining approval to start construction.
"We're looking forward to seeing them start work on the building that will be a great community facility," he said.
In other news
The Lipman construction company has been contracted for the complete delivery of the PCYC building, including earthworks and fitout within the building.
Lipman regional project manager Mitchell Jeffries said the company was currently working on site establishment, site survey, preparation works and trade procurement for the PCYC building.
"Over the coming months, works will include earthworks as we bulk the site to design levels, followed closely by numerous concrete pours as we start to build the structure and installation of in ground services," he said.
"Completion is targeted for late 2022, the project is on schedule."
NSW PCYC chief executive Dominic said the Wagga centre was an important project for the statewide organisation.
"We understand the community is really keen to see something moving and once the building starts, which is weeks away at minimum not months, you will start to see some progress and we hope to build something that Wagga and PCYC will be proud of," he said.
"The centre is critical for us, it's a flagship for us."
Mr Teakle said it was great to get started on such a major project.
"It's certainly something the community needs and it will bring a real energy to the community because it will be a pretty amazing facility, it's got four courts and additional rooms up the front, which will make it a pretty major facility.
"For a sporting precinct like Wagga, which has produced some of the greatest sportspeople we have ever known, I think it's going to be really well used."
The new centre will also feature air conditioning and will form part of the Wagga City Council's future master plan for Bolton Park.
Mr Teakle said the organisation was planning to hold a ceremonial sod-turning at some point, which has been delayed due to pandemic restrictions.
"We are going to commence construction as soon as we get the construction certificate from council," he said.
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