Demolition of the existing toilet, gym and canteen block started today, making way for a new $1.5 million facility.

The project will see the construction of a new community sports centre with a club room, gym, change rooms, referee room, storage facilities, canteen and toilets with disabled facilities.

While the fit out is expected to be completed by June 2019, the Oval will be accessible to all sporting codes in time for the commencement of the 2019 sporting season, with portable toilets and change rooms also made available.

The project is funded with $600,000 under the NSW Government’s Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants Program; $315,000 from Stronger Country Communities Fund (Round Two); $3,000 from the Barbell Club; $2,000 from Crookwell Junior Rugby Club; $2,000 from Crookwell Senior Rugby Club; $2,000 from Crookwell Junior Rugby League; $1,000 from Senior Rugby League; $1,000 from Crookwell Rotary Club; and $500 from the Lions Club of Crookwell.

The remainder will be funded by Upper Lachlan Shire Council.

Council has received an additional $1,300 under the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillation Program towards the purchase of a fully automated defibrillator and wall cabinet, as well as provide training for community sporting groups on how to use the device.

The total cost is $2,940, with the remainder funded by Council.

Council has also applied to the NSW Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Grants Program for extra project funding.

Council’s General Manager John Bell said the Project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community works together.

“Council has consulted extensively on this project via community meetings and an exhibition period, ensuring the design will reflect the needs of our local sporting and community groups,” Mr Bell said.

“When completed, the Sports and Community Centre will be a facility befitting Crookwell’s passionate and talented sporting community.”

The pavilion is home to the Crookwell Dogs Rugby Union Club and hosts the Crookwell Green Devils Senior Rugby League Club during the winter football season.

Builder on the site Kurt Selmes plays for the Green Devils and said that he hopes the building is finished in time for the beginning of the rugby season. 

The demolition is set to take two days, and the slab will be laid in the new year.