Minister for Finance and Services and Minister for the Illawarra, Greg Pearce and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley today announced remediation work had commenced on Win Stadium’s Western Grandstand redevelopment.
“Today marks the beginning of the remediation work following approval of a new design for the Western Grandstand,” Mr Pearce said.
“The design has been approved following a period of testing and two independent validations, including by the Government appointed expert, Professor Trahir,” he said.
“The first stage is the removal of the Western Grandstand’s seating to allow the installation of temporary trestles to support the truss.
“Removal of the roof rafters and the first half of the roof truss are expected to occur by the end of the month.
“It is anticipated the grandstand will be fully operational in June this year.
“It has been a trying period for everyone since the unforeseen circumstances of September caused a delay in finishing the $31 million project.
“I am grateful to all involved for their professionalism and for the patience of the Illawarra community,” Mr Pearce said.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley said with the remediation timetable now in place it provides certainty for the St George Illawarra Dragons regarding the 2012 NRL season.
“Rugby league fans and more particularly Dragon supporters will welcome the news work to rectify the western grandstand is finally underway,” Mr Annesley said.
“I again thank Illawarra Steelers Chairman, Peter Newell and his Board for their understanding over the last few testing months and reaffirm the NSW Government’s commitment to the Illawarra region.
“The project team have done an excellent job in arriving at a solution and the end result will be a facility the people of the Illawarra can be proud of,” Mr Annesley said.