Orange City Council has awarded the construction tender for the next phase of the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct, with building works expected to begin on-site in early December.

At its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, council resolved to award the contract to Zauner Construction following a competitive tender process that initially shortlisted six firms.

Two of those shortlisted withdrew during the process, resulting in four final contenders.

Council accepted the tender by Zauner Construction Pty Ltd for $15.6 million for the construction of John Davis Stadium and provisionally accepted the Tender received for $4.2 million for Athletics Phase 1 project subject to the completion of further formal contract negotiations. This means they will be responsible for building The John Davis Stadium, including a 1350-seat grandstand, along with landscaping; and the athletics amenities to support the eight new sporting fields to the east of the stadium.

Zauner Construction has a solid track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, says council, and have built the Wagga Wagga Multipurpose Stadium, Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre, Wodonga Aquatic Centre, along with local projects including the Orange Regional Museum and Bloomfield Medical Centre.

Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said awarding the tender marks a turning point in the precinct’s delivery.

“This is the moment we’ve been working towards – the green light to get boots on the ground and start building,” Cr Mileto said.

“It’s taken careful planning, collaboration across all levels of government, and a lot of hard work to get here. I want to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support and investment in this project.

“Over the next 12 months, we’ll see real progress as this vision begins to take shape.”

Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Recreation and Culture Policy Committee Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said the precinct will be a source of pride for the community.

“This is about more than infrastructure, it’s about opportunity,” Cr Greenhalgh said. “We’re building a precinct that will support grassroots sport, attract major events, and give our young athletes a place to dream big.”

Construction is expected to begin before the end of the year, with staged delivery continuing through 2026.

The athletics track, grandstand, change rooms and photo-finish room, will be delivered in a future stage, pending development approval and tenders.

Orange City Council has made a timeline for the project available at: www.orange.nsw.gov.au/orange-regional-sporting-precinct