Bega Council has thanked the community for their patience during works on the project. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council.
A major South Coast infrastructure project has been delayed beyond its expected completion date.
The process for major upgrades to the Bega Sports Complex began in 2017, with Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) endorsing a concept plan in June 2021.
The project did not get development approval until June 2023, and saw costs escalate during the COVID-19 pandemic, planning delays and other setbacks.
The council’s manager for parks, aquatics and recreation John Grady acknowledged the project had also seen challenges following the liquidation of the original project architects.
“While this caused unavoidable disruption, the project team has worked steadily to keep the development moving forward,” he said.
While it was initially flagged for completion in December 2025, work on the finishing touches is now expected to carry over into early 2026.
The council’s website states work on the complex’s upgrade began amid concerns around the quality of the facilities, accessibility and its ability to host events (including professional sporting matches).
In late 2023, BVSC announced Monarch Building Solutions as its preferred construction tenderer and said it was moving ahead with negotiations.
In April 2024, the council said a construction contract would be signed shortly, with the project expected to be open in 2025.
Site establishment and early works started in May.
As of December 2025, the building is structurally finished and the fit-out is being finalised.
The delays mean that installation of sports court flooring is scheduled for February 2026, before the building’s handover follows in March.
“Councillors were given a site tour in early September and were pleased to see firsthand the scale and quality of what is being delivered for the community,” Mr Grady said.
“For those driving past, the progress is now clearly visible, with the building structure complete and surrounding works continuing to unfold.”
An artist’s impression of the upgraded Bega Sports Complex. Screenshot: Beg Valley Shire Council.
Mr Grady said that once the works were complete, the Bega Sports Complex would be a major upgrade on the former facilities.
It will feature adaptable, female-friendly changerooms for George Griffin Oval and the Bega Rec Oval, and male and female changerooms for the indoor court.
“A highlight of the facility is the internal gallery, offering clear views over the courts and Bega Recreation Ground, plus a dedicated area for timekeepers and the media,” he said.
“We’ve designed the facility so kiosks and club rooms service both ovals, and the flexible multi-use room and covered terrace provide extra space for watching games and events.”
Inside the facility are marked courts for hockey, futsal, netball, basketball, volleyball, pickleball and badminton.
The upgrade will also improve seating and provide canteen facilities for both ovals.
“We’ve also made sure storage for local sporting clubs is much improved, making it easier for everyone to access their gear and use the facility.”
The NSW Government’s Office of Sport has contributed $11.7 million to the project.
Bega isn’t the only Far South Coast town to see improvements to its sporting facilities.
In early 2025, a new multi-use pavilion at the Pambula Sporting Complex was officially opened.
It received $3.29 million from the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, which covered a large portion of the estimated $4.943 million cost.
In August 2025, an upgraded Bermagui Indoor Sports Stadium also had its official opening.
An upgrade to the centre, which was originally built in 1990, began in 2023 and was completed in two stages.
More information on the Bega Sports Complex development is available on the project’s page on the council’s website.
