Football and netball season can’t come soon enough at Lucknow, with the changerooms upgrade project to be a sure winner with players, officials and supporters alike.

The contract for the major clubrooms overhaul was awarded in September last year and was at lock-up prior to Christmas. All services are roughed in and internal sheeting and eaves sheet linings are being installed.

Local contractor Brooker Builders have spent more than 5,200 hours on the project to date. It is anticipated the facility will be in use within the first half of the season.

Jointly funded between the Commonwealth Government, Council and Lucknow Football Netball Club, the upgraded clubrooms will provide modern changerooms for football and netball teams and umpires, showers, a timekeepers’ area and first aid facilities. A new canteen, function room and bar area will provide both internal and external viewing of the action on the ground and facilities for post-game celebrations.

Mayor Cr Mendy Urie said the project had seen many local contractors benefit, with 98 per cent of labour sourced locally and more than 10 companies directly involved.

“This is an important aspect of major Council projects such as these, where we can support local businesses, trades, suppliers and families in producing new, modern facilities that will benefit many in our community for years to come,” Cr Urie said.

“Council has coordinated this project with local designer Ian Neville, our contractor and Lucknow Football Netball Club representatives to provide a facility that fits well with the development of the Lucknow Recreation Area Masterplan and for the present and future needs of the club and community.”

When complete, this upgrade will enhance a fantastic community facility that includes newly completed netball courts, the table tennis and squash centre, and planned gymnastics centre development. Dog obedience and cricket also call the recreation reserve home.

“We actively encourage and support increased participation in sport by our residents, and this new facility will be a high quality, accessible and fit-for-purpose building.”