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OVERVIEW: Mossop Construction + Interiors Project Manager Michael Pietrafesa gives Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin an update on the Bennett Oval redevelopment work.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
The company behind the winning tender for construction work at Bennett Oval has wasted no time getting stuck into the job.
South Australia company Mossop Constructions + Interiors has started stripping back the interior of the grandstand, has already had asbestos removed and demolished the toilet and shower facilities in preparation for a complete new fit-out.
Mossop won the contract to redevelop the grandstand and catering facilities at Bennett Oval in Stage One of the sporting complex precinct development. This $2.8m stage will involve a total refurbishment of the grandstand, associated facilities and an upgrade of the playing surface and lights to bring them up to Australian Football League and national cricket standard.
Subsequent stages would involve the integration of other sports and associated facilities into the area to create a greater sporting precinct.
MODERN: An artist's impression of how Bennett Oval will look like from the entrance.
Stage One of the project was assisted by a $890,850 State Government grant from the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball Facility Program (The Grassroots Program), administered through the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Contributing to this grant was the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA).
The funding is part of a Marshall Liberal Government commitment to inject $10 million into grassroots sports across South Australia and was the result of a grant application from Council. The $890,850 will be split between Bennett Oval and Memorial Oval as the two venues undergo upgrades.
FRESH OUTLOOK: An artist's impression of the redeveloped grandstand at Bennett Oval.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said the Bennett Oval redevelopment was yet another exciting project happening right now in Whyalla.
“We’ve got the jetty being built, a new waste station under construction, a $100m new high school starting soon and now the start of this fantastic sporting project,” Mayor McLaughlin said.
“With hopes high we will get an AFL pre-season match here as soon as next year (as part of the Gupta family’s sponsorship of Port Adelaide), I have to thank the State Government, SANFL and SACA for jumping on board with much-appreciated funding.
“I must also congratulate our own elected members and Council staff for getting this project off the ground in such quick time and the community for its input in the all-important public consultation stage that has got us to this point.
“Congratulations also to Mossop Construction + Interiors for winning this contract and swinging into action so quickly … it is going to transform the old grandstand into a fantastic facility that continues the fine sporting tradition of this venue.”
GREAT FOR FOOTY: An artist's impression of how Bennett Oval will look with the redeveloped grandstand.
Neil Mossop from Mossop Construction + Interiors said the company was genuinely excited by the opportunity to transform the Bennett Oval grandstand into a quality facility that can accommodate top-line sport and the local football and cricket competitions.
The SA family owned and operated company has already endeared itself to the local community with its extensive use of local contractors in much of the project.
Neil said that the Mossop team are looking forward to working in Whyalla and being a part of the exciting developments within the region.
“We really enjoy working on regional projects that build on the economy of South Australia and we are committed to supporting and further building strong links with the local Whyalla community.” Neil said.
SURFACE WORK: Irrigation being laid under the surface at Bennett Oval.
An extensive irrigation project has already started on the oval surface.
Adelaide company Greene Eden began work three weeks ago to install all new underground irrigation. When finished the oval will undergo a resurfacing program to bring the playing surface up to AFL and national cricket standard.
WORK IN PROGRESS: Contractors prepare the area behind the grandstand after knocking down the old toilet and shower block.
STAGE 1 REDEVELOPMENT OF BENNETT OVAL
Totally refurbished grandstand building and toilet facilities inside and out
Facilities to meet AFL playing requirements
New bar facilities
New canteen facilities
New shade and weather structures
Upgraded field lighting
Upgraded irrigation for the playing surface
Levelling and remedial work on playing surface
General amenity tidy up
Disabled access from the carpark area.